Tinkers Park Steam Rally

The smell of coal smoke and hot oil hits you first at Tinkers Park Steam Rally near Heathfield. This is proper old-school engineering on display - vintage steam engines, traction engines, and all manner of mechanical kit that wheezes and chugs its way around the site. You'll find enthusiasts fiddling with valves, families having a wander between the exhibits, and the occasional demonstration that actually fires things up.

It's the sort of place that appeals massively to anyone with a thing for industrial heritage or mechanical contraptions. Kids who've got patience for that sort of detail rather than theme park thrills will be genuinely absorbed. Adults who remember when their grandparents ran steam-powered kit, or who're just fascinated by how things work, tend to lose whole hours here.

Allow a couple of hours to get the most of it without feeling rushed. Bring decent footwear - the ground can be muddy depending on when you visit. The site tends to be busier during summer events and bank holidays when there are usually demonstrations on, though that's when it's also most atmospheric with engines actually running.

Heathfield's a reasonable base if you're staying in the area. Being only a short drive from Dernwood Farm Glamping and Horam Manor Country Park means you can easily combine this with other attractions without much hassle. If steaming engines aren't your thing, your family will probably be done in an hour, so factor that into your day properly.