Washbrooks Family Farm

Washbrooks is a proper working farm just outside Hassocks, where you can actually see how things operate rather than wander through a sanitised version of rural life. It's the sort of place that appeals to families wanting their kids to understand where food comes from, and to anyone who fancies a break from the South Downs walking routes without going too far from the hills.

The farm does seasonal activities - lambing in spring, hay-making in summer, that sort of thing - so what you'll see depends entirely on when you visit. There's usually space to walk around and watch the animals going about their business. It's not a theme park with rides and attractions screaming for your attention. If your children expect entertainment on tap, they might get restless after an hour. But if they're genuinely curious about livestock or you're someone who finds watching a working farm genuinely interesting, it's worth the detour from Hassocks.

Checking ahead for opening hours and entry fees is essential - details aren't always online. Ring them or pop in when you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Southdown Way or Downsview Park. It works well as a half-morning stop before heading out into the Downs proper, or as a quieter alternative on a day when the weather's not brilliant for walking. Real farming, real animals, real mud. No pretence.