D & G Ponds

Just outside Pevensey, D & G Ponds is a small, independent aquarium that punches above its weight for a rainy afternoon escape. You're looking at freshwater tanks displaying native British fish alongside some tropical varieties - nothing massive, but genuinely interesting if you're into that sort of thing. The setup is intimate rather than sprawling, which means you can actually see everything clearly rather than trudging through endless corridors like the big chains.

It's the sort of place where families with younger kids will get proper value for an hour or so. You can get up close to the tanks without crowds pushing you about, and there's usually someone knowledgeable about on hand to answer questions. Teenagers who aren't already aquarium-obsessed might find it a bit quiet, but for under-eights it works well as a break from walking around the Pevensey Bay area.

The real draw here is that it's tucked away from the main drag - you won't find coachloads of day-trippers. Warren Wood Country Park sits just 1.7 miles away, so if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites like Fontmills Farm or Golden Cross, you could easily combine a morning poke around the ponds with an afternoon in the countryside. Bring waterproofs regardless; this is Sussex, after all. Check ahead for opening times and admission fees before you visit - it's very much a local operation rather than a big tourist machine.