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A proper all-ages day out without the ticket shock: We Are Family Festival is back at Borde Hill Parkland with free entry, unlimited soft drinks, fairground rides and hourly themed parades. If you've got kids to entertain or just fancy a nostalgic spin on the dodgems, this one's for you.
🎟️Get tickets for We Are Family Festival (Sussex) →What's on
Running from midday to 9 p.m. on 16 August 2026, the festival puts fairground rides front and centre alongside interactive attractions designed to keep younger visitors (and their parents) occupied. Bottomless soft drinks are included, so at least you won't be paying £5 for a plastic cup of lemonade. Hourly themed parades give the day some structure and a bit of theatre.
The vibe
Think classic British summer fair meets modern family entertainment. Borde Hill Parkland provides a spacious, leafy backdrop—no cramped field or muddy field corners. The pace is relaxed; you're not fighting crowds at a major festival, and the rides rotate through enough variety that even the fussiest child should find something to queue for. The themed parades add a cheerful anchor point to your day.
Getting tickets
Entry is completely free. No advance booking required, though turning up early (the gates open at noon) means shorter queues for the rides and better spot for the first parade.
Where to stay
Borde Hill is nestled in West Sussex countryside, but you're close enough to larger towns for proper accommodation. We've picked a selection of nearby hotels to make planning easier—just scroll below.
Getting there
By car from London, it's roughly an hour south via the M23. Brighton is 20 miles away; the nearest train station is Haywards Heath (about 15 minutes' drive). Coming from the Midlands? The A23 is your route. Parking at Borde Hill is typically straightforward during events.
🧳 Travel essentials
🏨 Where to stay nearby
🥂 Premium stays 5-star
💷 Budget-friendly under £120/nt
📍 The venue
Borde Hill Parkland
Haywards Heath
🎟️ Top things to do in West Sussex
Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets. Compare prices across GetYourGuide and Tiqets — both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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