The Observatory at Hurstmonceux, E. Sussex

 This is a brilliant place to spend the day for old and young alike.  It is all very interactive and very hands-on even for very little ones.  Much of it is indoors, and there are outdoor puzzles, and you can go into the giant telescopes. 
There are many picnic tables and a marquee in case its raining.  Inside there is a cafe if you want to buy drinks or food which is very reasonable and very child friendly. 
A really good and interesting day out.  I guarantee the children will go home tired, I did. Mrs Bouquet

Went there last month, found the gardens a bit boring,

You're such a killjoy wighty.

My sister works at Herstmonceux Castle in the kitchens. We have an ancient family connection with it. Windmill Hill does indeed have a windmill and has not long been done up. There is also a good little refreshment establishment at the back of the Castle called the Lamb Inn, thats at Wartling on the road that takes you across the marshes to Pevensey and Westham (where the Normans landed). Really am getting homesick now......