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Enjoy a special Father’s Day treat with Sussex Past, as we invite father figures to join us this Sunday, 16th June, free of charge. 

Dads, grandads, or another father figure in your life can visit Michelham Priory House & Gardens, Fishbourne Roman Palace or Lewes Castle free when accompanied by a paying visitor.

#1 – Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest domestic home in the UK – but it was only discovered just over 60 years ago. Archaeologists uncovered some of the grandest mosaics, which have been beautifully preserved for visitors to explore.

The Palace was built in the 1st Century, just a few decades after the Romans first visited these isles.

During its pomp, it was the grandest Roman Palace in northern Europe, forming a footprint nearly twice the size of Buckingham Palace.

The centrepiece is one of the largest collections of mosaics in the UK, featuring some of the earliest and finest pieces in the country.

Visitors can also stroll around the recreated formal grounds, the earliest gardens found anywhere in the country. Plus, they can discover more about how the Romans used herbs and flowers for medicinal purposes.

The permanent museum exhibition and cinema room will help you explore the story of Fishbourne in greater detail, with hundreds of objects found at the site on display.

Fishbourne Roman Palace is open daily from 10am to 5pm, along with the on-site cafe which serves up delicious hot and cold beverages, lunches and sweet treats.

Book Fishbourne Roman Palace tickets

#2 – Michelham Priory House & Gardens

Wander around the glorious gardens of Michelham Priory, as they burst with colour. Explore the Tudor house and soak up the history and atmosphere of this tranquil heritage site, nestled at the foot of the Cuckmere Valley.

A Sussex Day celebration is taking place too, making your visit extra special, with traditional Morris dancing and a flute choir.

The Priory dates back to 1229 and sits in the middle of a medieval moated island.

There are seven acres of grounds to explore, featuring spring flowers, a vegetable plot and a physic garden, which contains herbs used for healing in the medieval period.

Visitors can explore 800 years of history on the site, with a focus on Tudors, Victorians and World War Two.

For children, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained, including dressing-up areas and an outdoor playground.

For those who want to treat the loved ones in their life, the on-site Dovecote Shop contains a range of gifts to take home.

Michelham Priory is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, along with the on-site cafe which serves up delicious hot and cold beverages, lunches and sweet treats.

Book Michelham Priory tickets

 

#3 – Lewes Castle & Museum

This imposing fortress has been at the centre of the history of Lewes for centuries. A visit includes a climb to the top of the medieval castle as well as entrance to the adjoining museum.

Built in the late 11th Century, Lewes Castle has played a major role in local and national affairs. It was also at the heart of the medieval Battle of Lewes, a crucial moment in establishing England’s first parliament.

Climb the 100 steps to the top of The Keep and learn more about the history of this imposing Norman castle. There are also stunning 360-degree views of the town and countryside below.

The 1,000-year-old towers contain a number of surprises to discover, including interactive displays, children’s activities and dressing-up boxes.

The adjoining Museum of Sussex Archaeology hosts a range of artefacts from prehistoric to medieval Sussex. Plus there are temporary exhibitions that showcase treasures from the collections of The Sussex Archaeological Society.

Visitors can also discover the story of Lewes through a delightful model of the town and a short film.

Lewes Castle is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Book Lewes Castle Tickets

How to book your free Father’s Day ticket

This offer is valid for any father or father figure in your group, when accompanied by at least one paying visitor, which can be a paying child, adult, senior or a family ticket.

Whilst you can pre-book all other guests in your party using the links above, there is no need to book the free father ticket in advance. Just turn up on the day you’d like to visit and our Front of House teams will do the rest.