ARE you running out of ideas for places to take the children already? Today Jamie Walker recommends eight great places for walks, adventures and sport.

We’ve tried to fit in a few ideas that will not hit you so hard in the wallet or purse but still provide a great day out.  

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CASTLES

Everyone loves a good castle don’t they? 

It’s great to take a tour around architecture that has been around for centuries; wondering if you had lived there, what may have happened in those hallowed halls...and, I mean they normally have gift shops too. 

There are a number of fantastic castles across Sussex that are worth visiting.

Arundel is, of course, the obvious one that springs to mind as probably the most well-known one in the area.

But, there are a host of other medieval structures to work your way around. 

Bodiam Castle, pictured, in Robertsbridge, is stunningly beautiful, set in a moat it’s a real treat to visit. 

Lewes Castle is centred in the historic town and is quite picturesque.

And Herstmonceux Castle also offers beautiful scenes of surrounding areas.

Plenty of history on offer.

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FOOTBALL

While thousands flock back to the Amex as Brighton & Hove Albion get their second season in the Premier League under way, if you’re looking for a cheaper football fix there’s plenty on offer.

If you want to be watching the football league, League Two side Crawley isn’t too far away, and entry is just £1 for under-11s. 

If non-league football is more your style then I’d recommend Lewes, Worthing and Whitehawk for a visit. 

All three clubs are cheap as chips to get into and all serve good chips as well. What more could you want?

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WALKS

Now that it is not swelteringly hot, but still warm enough to be outside, it’s the ideal temperature for walking. 

With plenty of fantastic trails and tracks to follow across the county you won’t be short of scenery or wildlife as you wind your way across the many tracks and paths that cover Sussex.

Some fantastically quaint walkways can be found at Friston Forest, out near Eastbourne, which takes you through trees and beautiful woodland, while being a stone’s throw from the sea. 

In similar territory, Seven Sisters is always worth a weekend walk. 

Strolling along the coast, it offers fantastic views of the Channel, just don’t get too close to the edge. 

For even more walks across the whole of Sussex you can check out our weekly Weekend supplement, out every Saturday, which includes a detailed walk route every single week. 

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Adventure Parks and Zoos 

The zoo is the perfect place to take the kids now that the weather is getting a bit cooler, especially now that most zoos and adventure parks have indoor areas as well.

Drusillas near Alfriston is a well known hotspot for animal lovers in Sussex. At just 10-acres it’s not the biggest park, making it easy to take the children round without the risk of them complaining about tiredness. 

Knockhatch, in Hailsham, is also a great adventure area for the little ones.

Being eight times the size of Drusillas means it offers much more space to run around. 

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PIERS

Summer is the optimal time to go the a pier. 
Looking out over the sea, taking in the views of the shoreline, there really is nothing like it. 

Brighton Palace Pier is the obvious stand out choice in this regard with great views, an arcade, and plenty of rides and restaurants.

But there are plenty of other piers that can be enjoyed along the Sussex coastline. 

Hastings Pier is heavily underrated and is a great day out, with some excellent surroundings to keep you busy.

Likewise, Eastbourne Pier can often slip under the radar.

And Worthing Pier is extremely tranquil, not as packed as Brighton and has a fantastic little cafe at its entrance as well, so you can grab some lunch or a snack before or after your wander around. 

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Museums

There are plenty of museums in Brighton and Hove that can be enjoyed over a quiet weekend. 

For those who are more into their tours and exhibits then Brighton is the place to go.

Whereas for a smaller experience then Hove provides a quaint museum visit with exhibits that are still enjoyable, but won’t have you standing about for hours.

The Booth Museum in Dyke Road is also an excellent introduction to museums where the little ones can explore to their hearts’ content. 

With animal lovers in mind, the Booth specialises is birds, bugs and fossils that depict an incredible story of what life has been like for animals across the centuries. 

Free entry is another selling point to the museum, and with a park and cafe just over the road there’s plenty to keep you entertained. 

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THEATRES

Theatres are for far more than just pantomime season.
With plenty of shows to see throughout the year, the theatres in our areas offer a wide range of shows for people of all ages. 

The Theatre Royal in Brighton is the perfect example, with shows to see all year round. 

The stand-out in terms of family friendly performances in The Play That Goes Wrong, in which, well, you guessed it, everything goes wrong. 

Over in Worthing their theatre and cinema departments all run out of the same place so you can go and see a show or catch a flick.

And in Eastbourne, their amazing theatre offers just as many shows as Brighton.

They may be on a smaller scale but the quality is unrivalled. 

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CINEMA

The cinema is the perfect escape from any bad weather that may be incoming in the next few weeks. 

With plenty on there truly is something for everyone. 
If you want an escape from the bigger cinema brands like Odeon and

Cineworld, Brighton has a couple of picturesque cinemas that are worth checking out.

The Duke of York’s and Dukes at Komedia both offer an intimate cinematic experience so that you can truly immerse yourself in the movie.

Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Incredibles 2 and Mission Impossible are the must-see movies out at the moment and all three provide cracking family entertainment. 

If you’re stuck for things to do a movie and bucket of popcorn is always a good fix.