Minibus Hire Albourne

Albourne’s a quaint little village in West Sussex, tucked away between the South Downs and the bustling town of Burgess Hill. With a population of about 700, it’s not exactly a metropolis, but don’t let its size fool you.

It’s just off the A23, which runs from London to Brighton. If you’re coming from further afield, the M23 isn’t far off either. Public transport’s a bit trickier, with no train station in the village, but you can catch a bus from Brighton or Burgess Hill if you’re feeling adventurous. That said, if you’re coming as a group, your best choice is probably to hire a minibus. That way, you can zip between all the local attractions without any fuss.

Explore Bramber Castle

First up on our list is Bramber Castle. This Norman fortress might be a bit worse for wear these days, but it’s still got bags of character. Dating back to 1075, it’s mostly ruins now, but you can still get a good sense of how impressive it must’ve been back in the day. Visitors from Hurstpierpoint frequently come here to soak up the history and enjoy the views. There’s a lovely little church next door too, St. Nicholas, which is worth a look if you’re into that sort of thing.

Spend A Day At Bedelands Nature Reserve

Next up, we’ve got Bedelands Nature Reserve. It’s a lovely spot for a wander, especially if you’re into nature and all that. The reserve’s got a mix of woodland, meadows, and ponds, with over 300 species of plants. Groups from Hassocks make the trip here for a fun-filled day out in the fresh air. It’s great for birdwatching, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the local wildlife. In spring, the woodland floor’s carpeted with bluebells – just remember to bring your wellies if it’s been raining!

Have A Laugh At Washbrooks Family Farm

If you’re after something a bit more lively, Washbrooks Family Farm is a good shout. Being near Henfield, it’s an easy stop for travellers. The farm’s got everything from cute and cuddly animals to play areas and tractor rides. There’s a massive indoor play barn for when the weather’s not playing ball, and in summer, they’ve got water slides and splash pools. It’s a proper day out, that’s for sure, and a hit with families and groups looking to get up close with farm animals and burn off some energy.

Take In The Views At Oldland Windmill

For something a bit different, why not check out Oldland Windmill? It’s a bit of local history that’s still standing proud. The windmill’s been around since 1703 and it’s in pretty good nick considering its age. It’s only open on certain days, mind, so make sure you check before you go. But when you do get there, the views are smashing, and they sometimes do demonstrations of the mill in action, which is pretty cool to see.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors At Devil’s Dyke

Now, if you’re after some proper countryside, Devil’s Dyke is the place to be. It’s part of the South Downs National Park and it’s got some of the best views in Sussex. Not far from Ansty, this place attracts many visitors. You can go for a walk, have a picnic, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. It’s popular with hang gliders too, if you fancy watching them float about. The dyke itself is a massive dry valley – legend has it that the devil dug it to drown the churches of the Weald. Load of old cobblers if you ask me, but it makes for a good story.

Relax At Albourne Recreation Ground

If you’re after something a bit more low-key, there’s always Albourne Recreation Ground. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a nice spot for a breather or a kick-about. It’s a popular spot for people from Haywards Heath looking for a change of scenery. Bring a picnic and make a day of it – sometimes the simple things are the best, aren’t they? There’s a children’s play area too, if you’ve got little ones in tow. Just don’t expect anything too posh – it’s a simple, local park, but sometimes that’s all you need.

Hike At Wolstonbury Hill

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Wolstonbury Hill is a must-visit. It’s another part of the South Downs, offering stunning views and a good bit of exercise. Frequented by tourists from Portslade, it’s a great spot for a hike. The climb can be a bit steep in places, but the views from the top are worth the effort. It’s an old Iron Age hill fort, so you’re walking in some pretty ancient footsteps. Just don’t forget to bring some water and maybe a packed lunch – there’s no cafe at the top, but there are plenty of nice spots for a picnic with a view.

Wander Through Borde Hill Garden

Last but not least, we’ve got Borde Hill Garden. It’s a bit posh, this one – all manicured lawns and fancy plants. But don’t let that put you off, it’s a lovely place for a stroll. This attraction is often visited by those from Hove. The gardens are beautiful all year round, but they’re especially nice in spring when everything’s in bloom. They’ve got a nice cafe too, if you fancy a cuppa after all that walking. There’s over 200 acres to explore, including woodland and parkland, so you could easily spend a whole day here.

Discover The Sussex Prairie Garden

If you’re into gardens but fancy something a bit different, the Sussex Prairie Garden is well worth a visit. It’s not your typical English garden – instead of neatly trimmed hedges, you’ll find bold drifts of colourful perennials and grasses. It’s a relatively new addition to the area, only planted in 2008, but it’s already making quite a name for itself. Folks from nearby villages often pop over for a gander. The garden’s at its best in late summer and autumn when everything’s in full bloom. There’s a nice little tearoom too, perfect for a cuppa and a slice of cake after you’ve had a wander round.

Explore The Wildlands Of Knepp Castle Estate

For something truly unique, you can’t beat Knepp Castle Estate. This place is a bit of an oddity – it used to be a traditional farm, but now it’s one of the biggest rewilding projects in lowland Britain. They’ve let nature take over, and the results are pretty spectacular. It’s a popular day trip for people from the surrounding areas who fancy seeing some proper wildlife. You might spot storks, turtle doves, or even wild ponies roaming about. They do guided safaris if you want to learn more, or you can just wander the public footpaths yourself. Just don’t expect to see a prim and proper castle – the ‘castle’ is really just a romantic ruin these days.