Where to See Newborn Lambs Near Brighton This Spring

Spring has arrived in Sussex, and with it comes the annual tradition of lambing season. For those of us living in Brighton, the surrounding countryside offers several spots to see newborn lambs, particularly during the Easter holidays. While you won't find these working farms in the city centre, a short drive out towards the South Downs or into East Sussex reveals several family-run operations that open their gates to the public this time of year. It is a practical way to spend a day outdoors, seeing the reality of farming life during one of its busiest periods.

One of the most established options is Coombes Farm in Lancing, which is currently in the middle of its lambing season running until 19th April 2026. This is a significant operation with around 800 ewes expected to produce over 1,200 lambs. The farm is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, with entry priced at £6 for adults and £4 for children. They offer tractor rides to the top of the South Downs for £5, and if you time your visit for 12:00 or 16:00, you might see the feeding of the orphan lambs. They also have Sussex cows calving and new piglets for the 2026 season. For a different atmosphere, they even host late-night lambing sessions specifically for adults, though these require advance booking.

Heading east towards Lewes, Middle Farm at West Firle begins its lambing today, 1st April 2026. Their open farm is accessible from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and includes a play hay barn and a playground alongside the animal pens. During the Easter break, they run "Meet the Farmer and the Lambs" sessions at specific times. Further into East Sussex, Sanctuary Farm in Heathfield is currently hosting lambing sessions through to 3rd April. They have slots at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm, providing a close-up look at the lambs in their barn, including orphans that require regular feeding.

Other rural spots nearby include South Brockwells Farm Shop in Little Horsted, which combines its lambing season with a farm shop and cafe. While their main farm open days are later in the summer, the lambing activity is a highlight of their March and April calendar. In Nutley, Forestside Smallholding offers a more intimate experience within the Ashdown Forest, though you'll need to email them directly to book a specific slot for their Easter and lambing events. These farms provide a straightforward look at the start of the agricultural year, making them a reliable choice for a spring afternoon out of the city.