Hop into history this Easter with Sussex Past
Hop into history this Easter with Sussex Past – Family fun across our historic sites!
This Easter, Sussex Past invites families to spring into action with a range of egg-citing events across three of Sussex’s most fascinating heritage sites: Fishbourne Roman Palace, Michelham Priory, and Lewes Castle & Museum. With engaging activities, captivating history and sweet treats, it’s the perfect time to explore the past in fun, hands-on ways.
Fishbourne Roman Palace – Chichester, West Sussex
Roman Rabbit Trail: 5 – 19 & 21 April
Did you know Britain’s first rabbit may have arrived at Fishbourne nearly 2,000 years ago? Join the Roman Rabbit Trail, where mischievous bunnies have gone missing in the Palace gardens. Help Adrienne the Gardener track them down and earn a sweet reward!
Easter Surprises: 14 – 18 April
Create, play, and discover during a week of family activities including: make bunny planters and plant Roman carrots, make a sundial and play ancient games.
Explore the UK’s largest Roman home, featuring awe-inspiring mosaics, reconstructed gardens, and a collection of artefacts discovered during the site’s 1960s excavation. Grab a bite in the on-site cafe or bring a picnic to enjoy.
Easter at Fishbourne Roman Palace
Please note: Closed on Easter Sunday (20 April).
Michelham Priory House & Gardens – Near Hailsham, East Sussex
Springtime Trail: 5 – 21 April
Wander through seven acres of stunning grounds on a fun-filled family trail. Hunt for letters to spell a seasonal word and enjoy quizzes, colouring, and more along the way. Complete the trail to receive a sweet surprise!
Easter Exotic Animal Encounters: 8 – 10 April, 2 – 3pm daily
Join ZooLab for an unforgettable live animal show featuring snakes, frogs, tarantulas, and more! These ethical encounters offer a rare chance to meet real exotic animals up close.
Set on a picturesque moated island, Michelham Priory features a Tudor mansion with rooms spanning centuries of history, a medieval undercroft, and even a WWII evacuee’s bedroom. Kids can also explore the adventure playground and dress-up corner, while the gardens come alive with over 80,000 blooming daffodils.
Enjoy hot food, snacks, and barista coffee from the mobile food truck – or bring a picnic!
Please note: Closed on Mondays 7 & 14 April, open Easter Monday.
Lewes Castle & Museum – Lewes, East Sussex
Prehistoric Pursuit Trail: 5 – 21 April
Dino detectives wanted! Roam the castle grounds on a dinosaur egg hunt and crack the prehistoric puzzle to claim a chocolatey prize.
The Past in Your Hands: 6 & 18 April, 11am – 2pm
Handle genuine prehistoric artefacts, from mammoth teeth to Iguanodon bones, in this unique hands-on history session.
Eggs-traordinary Animal Art & Crafts: 12 & 19 April, 11am – 2pm
Get creative with dinosaur and animal mask making, Easter decorations, and even crown crafts to rule your own castle!
Perched high above the town of Lewes, this Norman castle offers stunning views, towers to climb, and centuries of stories to uncover. The adjacent museum adds another layer of discovery with artefacts and exhibits perfect for curious young minds.
Make a day of it with a Combined Lewes Ticket – giving you discounted access to both Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House, just around the corner from the Castle.
Easter the Sussex Past Way
From rabbit trails and spring-themed crafts to animal encounters and dino-themed puzzles, Sussex Past sites offer a fun and engaging way for families to enjoy time together this Easter – while exploring some of Sussex’s most fascinating historic places.
All activities are included with general admission and are free for Sussex Past Members – except for the ZooLab animal encounter at Michelham Priory, which is available at a discounted rate for Members. Find out more about becoming a Member here.