Things to do in Brighton, Lewes & beyond this May half term

If you’re staying at our Chapel Field site this half term then a trip to Brighton is a must do! There is something for everyone in our vibrant city and May delivers festivals and fun every day including Brighton Fringe (running until 31st May) with a varied programme of comedy, cabaret, circus, theatre and more.

Woodfire’s show at Brighton Fringe, Feast & Fable

Feast & Fable: A Story Cook-along invites families to step out of the city and into the magical world of the Story Baker. Set in the quirky surroundings of Caravanserai’s Under the Archway stage, this is not your usual theatre show. Every guest is handed ingredients as they arrive and the familiar tale of Little Red Hen begins, set in the local area. This enchanting performance is about sharing and participating to create something wonderful, and will stay with you long after the smell of fresh bread and woodsmoke. Together, audiences knead, shape and bake their own bread to be cooked over the flames. Book now

Caravanserai is a festival within a festival, known for delighting families at Camp Bestival, so we’re super lucky to have it pop-up in Brighton this May! Check out what’s on

The Brighton Sauna Festival: 29th – 31st May

Check out the Brighton Sauna festival taking a sweaty spot on the pebbles down near Yellowave from 29th – 31st May. Join the British Sauna Society for the first-ever Brighton Sauna Festival, a high-energy, three-day takeover of the iconic Sussex shoreline to celebrate the birthplace of modern coastal sauna experiences in the UK. Our friends from Beach Box, a pioneer of British sauna culture will be there along with over 20 unique saunas from across the UK and the country’s most respected sauna masters, the beachfront will buzz with the energy of wood-fired stoves and fresh sea air. The perfect way to spend an afternoon before heading back to camp. Book your hot seat now

Charleston Festival

A short walk along the old coach road from Chapel Field site is Charleston Farmhouse, an iconic and special place associated with the Bloomsbury Group and literary figure Virginia Woolf. Each May they welcome noted artists and authors for Charleston Festival. This year it returns to the South Downs from 13–25 May 2026, bringing together some of the world’s most exciting writers, artists, performers and thinkers for conversation, creativity and culture. Catch the end of the festival. Find out more

 

Things to do in Petworth and the South Downs

There are thousands of acres to explore in the South Downs National Park, with routes for dedicated walkers and intrepid explorers, there is something for everyone! From Westerlands you can walk to the South Downs Way and once on top, you will have fabulous views, both north and south towards (in places) the sea.

When it’s hot and you want to be by water, we are close to the coast and the beaches of Climping, Bracklesham Bay and West Wittering are all between twenty and forty minutes away. There’s also a lido in Arundel 20 minutes away with a great view of the castle.

Discover on-site activities at Westerlands, a short walk from Woodfire

From horse riding through the South Downs to wellness experiences in the WildSpa, sauna and plunge pool, Westerlands offers something for every pace in a beautiful rural Sussex setting. Woodfire guests can enjoy outdoor fitness classes, yoga and sauna sessions or hands-on equestrian experiences for both adults and children. The sauna is available to book for groups of 6 and as a Woodfire camper you can get 20% off. Find out more https://www.westerlands.com/experiences/activities

The Weald & Downland Living Museum

Step back in time with a visit to The Weald & Downland Living Museum, the setting for BBC One’s The Repair Shop and a very interesting place a few miles from Westerlands!

They have hands-on activities and historic demonstrations during May half term including a Saxon demonstration and Riddles in Runes trail. The Weald & Downland Living Museum is one of our top recommendations for a day out before heading back to camp for dinner. Find out more

Petworth House

Explore the impressive parkland and gardens of Petworth House, not far from Westerlands. For half term they have a family-friendly trail inspired by the book ‘Tilly Plants A Tree’. Follow the free trail to learn how Tilly grows her own oak tree and complete the fun activities along the way.

You can pick up a Tilly Plants a Tree trail map from reception to follow the buggy-friendly paths of the Pleasure Garden. We’d recommend the Hungry Monk Deli for picnic supplies or The Welldiggers Arms for lunch followed by a feast at sunset back at camp. Visit Petworth House https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth