The Great Sussex Way
Discover West Sussex at its finest. The Great Sussex Way is 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. Walk miles of scenic footpaths and explore 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 the Chichester District in West Sussex
Discover 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 AllCaroline Walker: Mothering
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms…
COS26 - Art Trail 'Snapshot' Exhibition
The highly anticipated Chichester Open Studios Art Trail returns this spring, promising two…
Dawn Chorus Walk
£23 book online Experience the delights of the dawn chorus at Arundel Wetland Centre on this…
Elmer and Friends VIP launch
Join us at The Novium Museum on the opening morning of Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of…
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…
Glowing + Alive Exhibition | Chichester Cathedral
Glowing + Alive Exhibition In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring…
Gozzle
March 20-May 31 Included in your admission price, book in advance and save 10% This spring, WWT…
Highlights of the Collection Tour | Pallant House Gallery
Join one of our experienced Guides for a tour of the collection in the historic house. Explore…
I Spy Trail | Chichester Cathedral
Explore Chichester Cathedral with Wilfrid’s Trail Designed with all ages in mind, this…
Jane Bown: Play Shadow
Jane Bown: Play Shadow at Newlands House Gallery Explore an intimate portrait of one of…
Lunchtime Concerts at Chichester Cathedral
Each Tuesday at 1.10pm (apart from during school holidays) the Cathedral hosts a lunchtime concert…
Merlynda's Heavenly Love Poetry Exhibitions
Visitors are invited to explore regular weekend exhibitions of enchanting illustrated poetry inside…
Petworth House & Park Spring Festival
The Petworth Spring Festival 2026 (Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April) will include talks…
Return of the Larder
RETURN OF THE LARDER A joyful, sensory, seasonal workshop capturing the essence of Spring
Tulip Festival | Arundel Castle
The annual Tulip Festival at Arundel Castle is a show-stopping display of thousands upon thousands…
William Nicholson
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic…
Rogate Pumpkin Patch Ticket Launch
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open…
West Dean Garden Tour & Cream Tea
Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens with two senior and knowledgeable members of…
The National Garden Scheme: The stunning gardens at Fittleworth House
Fittleworth House was built around 1720 from locally quarried stone as a home for the squire of the…
National Garden Scheme: The Old Vicarage Washington Open Garden
The Old Vicarage Washington garden open in aid of National Garden Scheme charities A truly…
Creative Writing Workshop with Vanessa Curtis
Join award-winning author Vanessa Curtis for a creative writing workshop in the beautiful setting of…
Magic
'Exclude the impossible and what is left, however improbable, must be the truth.' Harry…
The Daffodil Days - an evening with author Helen Bain
Join us for an evening of conversation with Helen Bain, author of The Daffodil Days, a beautifully…
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