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 AllASHES TO FIRE by Alice Carter | Chichester Cathedral
ASHES TO FIRE by Alice Carter 13 February - 5 April 2026 Monday – Saturday (9.00am – 5.00pm)…
Caroline Walker: Mothering
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms…
ERASURE
Through painting, sculpture, installation and moving image, the exhibition deals with prescient…
Glowing + Alive Exhibition | Chichester Cathedral
Glowing + Alive Exhibition In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring…
Hop into the Wild | Petworth House & Park
Looking for things to do with families in West Sussex this half term? There’s a brand-new…
Hurrah for Shippam's | The Novium Museum
Hurrah for Shippam's Come and discover the story behind one of Chichester's most iconic…
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…
National Garden Scheme: The Old Vicarage Washington Open Garden
The Old Vicarage Washington garden open in aid of National Garden Scheme charities A truly…
Nina Troitzky and Gaila Clarke Hall - Beyond Title
Nina's art practice is based on experimentation investigating the properties of chosen materials…
Roger Fry
Explore the first major exhibition in over 25 years dedicated to Roger Fry as a painter. Known for…
Scott Younger - Anything Not Given Is Lost
Scott's photography exhibition is an introduction to his work and embraces aspects of our world…
Stargazing at West Dean
Embark on a captivating guided journey through the night sky with renowned local astronomer Dr. John…
Talk | How To See Now: The Female Subjects with Katy Hessel - Athena
How much do you know about the Virgin Mary? How has her image perpetuated an idealisation for…
William Nicholson
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic…
Merlynda's Heavenly Love Poetry Exhibitions
Visitors are invited to explore regular weekend exhibitions of enchanting illustrated poetry inside…
Petworth Farmers' Market
Explore local goods and artisan produce at this monthly farmers' market held in the Market…
The Repair Shop Open Days
We are proud to be the home of The Repair Shop. With the skilled experts and crew now back and busy…
Grow Selsey Seed & Plant Swap
Bring along your spare seeds, seedlings, or plants to swap, or just come for a chat and some…
Octagon - 'Red and Green, Seldom Seen'
Group exhibition of 8 artists working in different media. Inspired by the palette of red and green.
Phoenix Contemporary Textiles Group - Wild and Wilder!
Formed in 1992 Phoenix Contemporary Textiles is a group of artists with established and diverse…
The Art & Science of Living Longer with Dr Katie Armstrong
Held at Newlands House Gallery, this talk forms part of a special Petworth Places series exploring…
Don't miss...
Things to Do in West Sussex
Explore our Towns, Villages and Coast
Image: Joanna Kaczorowska