Visit West Sussex
Your official guide to visiting West Sussex. From the unspoilt Sussex coastline and award-winning beaches to historic market towns, cultural attractions, heritage sites and family days out, West Sussex awaits. Exploring miles of walking on scenic footpaths and epic cycle routes across the South Downs, uncover world-class events and festivals, and enjoy outstanding places to eat and drink showcasing Sussex produce. Whether you’re planning a short break, countryside escape or coastal holiday in West Sussex, you’ll find unforgettable experiences and a warm Sussex welcome at every turn.
Discover Chichester
Come and explore Chichester, the vibrant cathedral city and county capital of West Sussex. Immerse yourself in rich history with impressive Roman ruins and outstanding culture or explore the stunning countryside and rolling South Downs. Enjoy endless walking and cycling opportunities, incredible events and adventures at Goodwood, charming towns and villages like Midhurst and Petworth, and the sparkling Sussex coast, home to beautiful beaches like West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey.
Just over an hour from London and just under an hour from London Gatwick Airport, our stunning, sunny corner of Sussex is closer than you think!
The Great Sussex Way is here to help you find GREAT things to do in Chichester and the the surrounding area, read on for more ideas…
South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park is one of the top West Sussex attractions encompassing majestic rolling hills, heathland, rivers, and more woodland that any other national park in England or Wales – including some of the most ancient forests in the country - making it a perfect playground for those who love the outdoors, whether that’s on two feet or on a bike. As well as epic walking trails including The South Downs Way, here you’ll find important habitats for wildlife, including rare species like the Adonis and Chalkhill Blue Butterflies.
West Wittering Beach
One of the South Coast’s best loved beaches, once you’ve experienced the golden sands of West Wittering beach between your toes it’s easy to see why. Long stretches of soft sand and shallow water make it perfect for families, while also offering an abundance of opportunities for adrenaline seekers to enjoy the waves. Often extremely busy in summer (we recommend booking parking to avoid disappointment), quieter spots can be found at neighbouring East Wittering or a little further along the coast at Selsey.
Goodwood
Goodwood is synonymous with incredible events like the Festival of Speed, the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the Goodwood Revival. This English estate draws visitors from across the globe and is home to a stylish Hotel and Spa, unforgettable dining experiences, golf courses, and the opportunity for high-energy adventures in the air, on the Motor Circuit and more.
Arundel Castle
Just ten miles from Chichester, discover almost a thousand years of history at Arundel Castle. A captivating day out with a huge amount original features to explore including the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and the 14th Century Catholic Fitzalan Chapel, there's a huge amount to see, plus action-packed events and the annual floral celebrations each spring as the Tulip Festival and Allium Extravaganza surround the castle with vivid swathes of colour.
Spring exploring in West Sussex
Walking in West Sussex
Walking routes for everyone to enjoy
Great West Sussex Pubs with Walks
That classic combination for experiencing the best of West Sussex
The Sussex Tree Trail
Follow this trail to see our most awesome trees
What's On in West Sussex
View AllChichester Open Studios | Art Trail
Chichester Open Studios (COS) Art Trail - has a legacy dating back to its establishment in 2001…
Eclipse
In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee will be at The Novium Museum from Saturday 18…
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff This summer, discover a striking…
Garden Sculpture Trail with FiveTwo Designs Ltd
FiveTwo Designs Ltd display contemporary garden sculpture created by British artists and designers…
Glowing + Alive Exhibition | Chichester Cathedral
Glowing + Alive Exhibition In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring…
Goodwood Art Foundation Summer Programme
2 May – 1 November The Foundation's Summer programme opens 2 May and unfolds through earthworks…
Gozzle
March 20-May 31 Included in your admission price, book in advance and save 10% This spring, WWT…
Half Term Craft Clubs | Jam Cafe
May Half Term at Jam Cafe, Chichester. Crafting, creative, drop-in sessions or full day camp…
I Spy Trail | Chichester Cathedral
Explore Chichester Cathedral with Wilfrid’s Trail Designed with all ages in mind, this…
Lunchtime Concerts at Chichester Cathedral
Each Tuesday at 1.10pm (apart from during school holidays) the Cathedral hosts a lunchtime concert…
May Bank Holiday House Opening | Stansted House
Visit Stansted House this May Bank Holiday and enjoy an Upstairs, Downstairs experience as you…
May Half Term Activities
Step Into the Saxon World This May Half Term Travel back 1,000 years and experience history like…
May Half Term: Celts and Romans
Celts and Romans go head-to-head this May half term at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Visit Fishbourne…
Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature
Dr Loucia Manopoulou, Director, Newlands House Gallery, says: "Delighted to be working with…
Tilly Plants a Tree | Petworth House & Park
Tilly Plants a Tree Trail Families are invited to join a free* 'Tilly Plants a Tree…
Birds Ahoy! Family-friendly boat trip on Solar Heritage
Chichester Harbour is nationally and internationally important as a site for coastal birds. As a…
Children's Marine Ecology Club
Living in the UK we are surrounded by the sea which contains some beautiful and marvelous…
Make Your Own Roman Shield | Roman Week
'Caesar' the day and 'Roman' down to Chichester Festival Theatre to get creative in…
Roman Highlights Tour | Roman Week
Explore Roman Chichester through a guided tour of The Novium Museum's ground-floor gallery. See…
Roman Week | Chichester
Roman Week | Chichester. The annual celebration of Chichester's Roman roots runs 26th-30th…
The Roman Gladius: An Evening Talk with Dr Jaime Kaminski | Roman Week
Join Dr Jaime Kaminski of Sussex Archaeological Society to explore the Roman gladius - one of the…
West Dean Garden Tour & Cream Tea
Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens with two senior and knowledgeable members of…
Collections Store Tour | Roman Week
Go behind the scenes with a collections expert at the Collections Discovery Centre at Fishbourne…
Roman Storytelling with Red Sauce Theatre | Roman Week
Join Roman storyteller Rachel for a lively, interactive Roman-themed storytelling session. Children…
Don't miss...
Restaurants in Chichester
Great places to eat in Chichester
Gorgeous Pub Gardens
Relax in stunning surroundings, with a local tipple or two
Things to Do in West Sussex
Explore our Towns, Villages and Coast
Image: Joanna Kaczorowska