Come the school holidays, avoid a nightmarish excursion to a bland, plastic amusement park and opt for an altogether more pleasant experience at Hollycombe – Steam in the Country. The centrepiece at this charming volunteer-run park is a beautiful, fully functioning Edwardian Steam Fairground with everything from gentle golden gallopers to the earliest “white knuckle” ride – the razzle dazzle.

A great day out for big, little, fast and slow, it’s all about proper old-fashioned (generally queue-free!) fun as the traditional fairground organ music accompanies you up the big wheel and round the haunted house. If a fright isn’t quite your thing then simply grab a cup of tea, admire the hand-painted rides and enjoy the nostalgia of it all.

Once the thrill seekers have had their fill, head to the gorgeous gardens for a picnic and some hide and seek in the impressive, mature woodland. Come the afternoon, you may wish to slow down the pace so climb aboard the steam railway. Here you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as you pass woodland, fields and spectacular views over Sussex Weald.

Image courtesy of _moonpie on Flickr