For families staying in Eastbourne, a visit to Knockhatch Adventure Park offers one of the most exciting and varied days out in East Sussex. Located near Hailsham, around 9 miles north of Eastbourne, the park combines indoor and outdoor adventure attractions, animal encounters, splash zones, rides and huge play areas, making it a popular destination whatever the weather.
From the The Lansdowne Hotel, the journey by car usually takes around 20–25 minutes depending on traffic, travelling inland via the A22.
Originally beginning life as a small farm attraction, Knockhatch has grown into one of the South East’s leading family adventure parks. It is especially well suited for children aged between toddlers and early teens, although many adults enjoy the rides and animal experiences too. The park is open most of the year and offers a combination of attractions designed to keep families entertained for an entire day.
One of the standout attractions is the huge Dragon Castle adventure playground, where children can climb towers, explore tunnels and race down slides. The castle is surrounded by rope bridges, zip lines and interactive play areas that encourage active exploration. During warmer months, the Jungle Splash water park becomes one of the busiest attractions, allowing children to cool off among fountains, sprays and water slides.
Animal lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. The park’s Jungle Kingdom zoo section includes meerkats, lemurs, wallabies, owls, otters and tropical birds, alongside daily keeper talks and animal encounters. Visitors can even book special animal experiences including feeding sessions and close-up encounters with certain species.
Indoor attractions are another major advantage, particularly for visitors holidaying on the Sussex coast where weather can sometimes change unexpectedly. Massive indoor soft play zones, dinosaur-themed barns, the Sherlock Holmes Experience and immersive play areas mean children can stay entertained even on rainy days. This makes Knockhatch a reliable option for families staying in Eastbourne during all seasons.
The location is also convenient for guests at the Lansdowne Hotel because it allows easy access without needing a long journey. Families can enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the seafront before heading inland for the day, then return to Eastbourne in time for an evening walk along Eastbourne Pier or dinner beside Eastbourne Seafront. Its closeness means the park works perfectly as either a full-day attraction or even a shorter afternoon outing.
Knockhatch is also positioned close to several other popular Sussex attractions including Herstmonceux Castle and Drusillas Park, making the surrounding area excellent for family sightseeing. Visitors often combine multiple attractions during a longer Eastbourne holiday.
With free parking, a wide variety of attractions and activities suitable in almost any weather, Knockhatch Adventure Park remains one of the best family attractions within easy reach of Eastbourne and the Lansdowne Hotel. Whether visitors are looking for adventure rides, animal encounters or simply somewhere energetic for children to explore, the park delivers a memorable day out for all ages.