Screen-free summer holidays

With so much going on during term time, luxury family holidays are life’s way of providing a breather. We treasure the small moments of connection: taking breakfast into the garden, learning to swim, or staying up late to look at the stars. Even the most dedicated screen devotee can appreciate the magic of active, sun-filled days.

Ever wondered how a screen-free family holiday can reignite connection? This style of break fosters shared experiences, lasting memories, and genuine togetherness.

So, what can we do without screens on our holiday?

Summer holidays are the easiest to infuse with screen-free fun, from classic beach days and nature rambles to open-air theatre evenings and cosy fire pit conversations.

There’s a special brand of freedom to be found at the seaside – salt air, tumbling waves and sandy toes evoke a nostalgia that spans generations. Beach days offer children the ultimate playground: building sandcastles, shaping intricate driftwood art, paddling in the shallows, and searching for treasures along the tideline.

Curious where the best beach adventures await in Sussex? On parts of the Sussex coast – particularly around Seven Sisters, West Wittering and Felpham Beach – curving rockpools reveal small fish and crabs, adding a dash of discovery to each outing. This is the essence of a childhood summer – simple and unhurried.

With woodland and gardens in abundance, the south coast is an ideal spot for family den building. Here, you can begin with the basics of bushcraft, either working together or independently. And, if the weather turns drizzly, simply don a waterproof coat and construct your own shelter – this is one activity that’s just as entertaining in a shower.

Many of our properties are in or near woodland, including Fallows, Greenoaks, Claybourne Manor, and Foxlink (which is best suited to older families), meaning hours of potential play. If you’d like to try den building, Sussex Wildlife Trust has published a handy how-to video for those new to the practice.

Or, you could head out to a local den-building spot, where guides are often on hand to help. Near Haywards Heath, Nymans has a Play Glade that’s just right for making a den, while in Balcombe, Two Muddy Boots runs family sessions incorporating woodland exploration, crafts and tool use.

For children, there’s an enduring excitement about picking food from the wild: trees, hedgerows and field edges offer hidden gifts to the bold and curious. But of course, it’s vital to know what you’re looking for. Setting out with a foraging guide is a fantastic family activity, while building newfound confidence in spotting and identifying foods.

On August 23rd, Cowdray Estate is running a Family Foraging Adventure, specially created as a scavenger walk for all ages. And, in Sussex and Hampshire, Foraged by Fern offers private foraging walks followed by food making (and tasting), as an experience that can be tailored to your party’s preferences.

Getting out on the water offers an entirely different perspective – with endless opportunities to spot passing views, landmarks and wildlife. There’s simply nothing like a sea breeze to usher in fresh energy.

For younger families, a boat trip around the coast is the perfect way to pass an afternoon. If you’re staying with us on the Isle of Wight, Needles Pleasure Cruises can whisk you away for an up-close peek at local landmarks, including the lighthouse and Needles rocks. Or in West Sussex, Chichester Harbour Water Tours offers waterborne views of the harbour, as well as dedicated seal-watching trips.

If your children are older or a little more adventurous, they’ll relish the freedom of spending time both in and on the water. Based on West Wittering Beach, 2XS Watersports Centre runs courses and tuition sessions in a whole range of sports, including windsurfing, paddlesurfing, bodyboarding and surfboarding.

While stories often unfold on screens, there’s something far more enchanting about watching them come alive beneath an open sky. Outdoor theatre immerses families in tales told through music, words, and movement, with the added magic of evening breezes and dappled light.

This summer, Weald & Downland Living Museum is hosting a series of family friendly open-air shows set against its historic backdrop, while Brighton Open Air Theatre’s eclectic programme ranges from Shakespearean drama to playful children’s productions in its secluded garden amphitheatre.

For a truly atmospheric experience, Uppark House and Garden offers theatre events in its elegant grounds, where lawns become stages and trees form natural wings. These performances remind us that storytelling is an enduring art – and one best enjoyed together.

Often, the most memorable holiday adventures happen without leaving your doorstep. Many of our properties are designed with luxury family holidays in mind, featuring everything from swimming pools and games rooms to croquet lawns, fire pits, and spacious terraces.

Whether it’s a friendly poolside competition, roasting marshmallows by the fire, or simply watching the sun set together, these simple pleasures create the kind of connection that lasts far beyond the summer.