Rule of Six: Great outdoor spaces to enjoy picnics in Sussex

In case you were unclear on all the details, the rule of six allows for friends and family to meet outdoors starting from March 29. 

• READ MORE: How travel restrictions change as lockdown restrictions ease

The new rule also says that two households of any size can meetup, so a family of six and four could be together outside as a group of 10.

Preston Park

Preston Park has lots to offer people of all ages.

The park has plenty of outdoor space, including a large play area for the kids, the well-renowned Preston Park Chalet Café in the centre of the park as well as the Rookery across the road.

Paul Gillett's photo of the Rookery

Preston Park also boasts the oldest velodrome in the UK.

It was opened on May 12, 1877, and is also the oldest working velodrome in the world.

Hove Park

Hove Park is a great space that has plenty to offer.

The park has a large play area, a cafe, a rock-climbing boulder, a football pitch, a basketball court as well as several tennis courts.

Paul Gillett's photo of Hove Park

The park also has its own miniature railway which normally runs through the summertime and is hoping to be open from July.

Hove Park’s biggest claim to fame is the Goldstone rock. The rock, which weighs 20 tonnes, was supposedly a sacred rock which the Druids worshipped.

Stanmer Park

Going slightly further out of the city, Stanmer Park is the ultimate dog walking meetup spot.

The park has large open spaces, as well as forested areas which go miles into the rolling South Downs.

Anders Almaas' photo of Stanmer Village

The park surrounds the small village of Stanmer, which has its own cafe and small church.

Stanmer House is also a sight to behold and provides a great backdrop to sit in front of in the sun. The Mansion celebrates its 300th birthday next year.

Birling Gap, East Sussex

The first beach on this list, and not the last. Birling Gap is a lovely spot to meet up with family or friends.

The beach provides a great view of the famous Seven Sisters cliffs.

Tom Lee's photo of Birling Gap

Make sure to look up when low tide is before you visit so you can make the most of the sandy beach and rock pools that get covered up at high tide.

Birling Gap also has a cafe overlooking the beach for refreshments and ice cream.

Barcombe Mills, Lewes

Barcombe Mills is alongside the River Ouse and is a great destination to meet friends or family for a riverside stroll.

The area has plenty of footpaths and is teeming with wildlife.

Simon Carey's photo of Barcombe Mills

The river is a great boating and swimming spot. 

However, it may be a bit cold in March.

Brighton beach

We couldn’t do an article on great outdoor spaces without mentioning the beach, the attraction that Brighton is arguably most famous for.

Brighton beach is a great place to meet and socialise with friends.

Les Chatfield's photograph of Brighton beach

There are many places right by the beach for food and drink.

You cannot beat a few drinks with friends watching the sunset falling behind the West Pier.

Kingley Vale, Chichester

Kingley Vale is a beautiful site which is fantastic for a hike or picnic in its ancient woodland.

Simon Burchell's photo of Kingley Vale

Some of its yew trees are as much as 2,000 years old, making them some of the oldest living organisms in the UK.