Ingfield Light Railway

A narrow-gauge railway tucked away near Horsham that actually runs trains - not some static museum piece gathering dust. The Ingfield Light Railway is genuinely modest, the sort of place that doesn't shout about itself, which is precisely why it works. You get to ride behind miniature steam and diesel locomotives on a proper track through countryside that still feels properly rural despite being just outside a Sussex town.

It's brilliant for families with younger children who'd be bored senseless by a traditional heritage railway but love the idea of travelling by train. The intimate scale of everything - tiny carriages, closely-trimmed hedges rushing past at what feels like speed when you're sat six inches above the rails - creates a sense of adventure that larger attractions struggle to match. Adults find it oddly satisfying too, especially if you've got any lingering enthusiasm for engineering or just fancy an unusual afternoon out.

The journey itself is short, which suits the format perfectly. You're not trapped on a train for three hours. There's a café and a small shop, so you can stretch your legs, grab a cup of tea, and watch the trains being shunted about. Worth checking their website before you visit - opening hours vary seasonally and admission isn't free, but it's reasonable value.

If you're camping at Slinfold Caravan Club or Sussex Topiary just down the road, this makes for a cracking half-day diversion. Close enough that you won't spend your entire afternoon driving, different enough from typical holiday park entertainment to feel like you've actually gone somewhere.