Autumn in West Sussex

West Sussex is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in a tapestry of hues glowing in rich autumnal light. Whether exploring woodland trails, wandering through historic market towns, or enjoying a peaceful countryside walk, autumn in West Sussex offers a magical blend of natural beauty, tranquillity, and seasonal character.

A walk along the Windmill Trail from Boxgrove, up the Halnaker tree tunnel to the Halnaker windmill is a family-friendly way to experience the vibrancy of spectacular autumnal colour and you will be rewarded with a 360 degree viewpoint at the top. Black Down is the highest point for miles around and offers unending vistas for those who enjoy a walk with a view. Kingley Vale is another favourite, where you will discover a varied landscape of woodland trails with ancient gnarled yew trees, interspersed with open country. Visit our suggestions of Top 10 walks for more ideas.

While you are there: The Anglesey Arms near Halnaker is a good place to stop for lunch, or Goodwood’s Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant is a short drive. Wellies Tearooms is ideal to refuel after a walk at Kingley Vale.

Explore autumn colour at one of West Sussex's glorious gardens. From the inspiring Denmans Garden, where there's colour all year round as well as perfectly placed seating inviting you to stop and take it all in, to West Dean Gardens with its sunken and walled gardens, Victorian glass houses and stunning views. This time of year you'll find the garden groaning under the weight of its bounty - pop into West Dean Village Store after your visit, where you can buy the fresh seasonal fruit and veg you've just seen in situ. We think you can't visit here without walking to St Roche's Arboretum, from where you are rewarded with expansive views of the south downs bathed in an autumn glow. See also the Pleasure Grounds at Petworth House & Park, and the park itself where you can follow the ancient tree trail to see the park transforming into a riot of colour for autumn. Plus the historical gardens at Weald & Downland Living Museum and Chichester's hidden garden, Bishops Palace Gardens perfect for a quiet stroll amongst the autumn foliage.

Where can I eat and drink? Denmans Gardens is home to Midpines Cafe, where you dare you to resist the beautiful cakes while you sip a hot drink. West Dean's Gardens Restaurant serves everything from coffee and cake to freshly cooked lunches brimming with produce grown metres from where you are sitting. Stroll around Petworth to find more eateries: The Hungry Guest and the E.Street Bar & Grill.  Chichester centre has great options like Cloisters Kitchen & Garden café, Robin's Nest or Luckes.

Now the summer crowds have left, you may find you have the beach to yourself. Blow the cobwebs away with a brisk autumn walk along a West Sussex beach such as West Wittering, East Wittering, Selsey or Bracklesham Bay. For a more sheltered option, the King Charles III Coast Path now stretches 35 miles from West Wittering to Hayling Island following the inlets of Chichester Harbour for tranquil beauty and wildlife spotting.

Warm up: With a hot chocolate at The Beach at Bracklesham, the Drift-In Surf Café at East Wittering or Rewild Sauna at Bracklesham.

Autumn is a time to harvest nature’s bounty and in West Sussex the trees and hedgerows are laden with produce. You won’t need to go far to find blackberries, apples, sloes and elderberries. For something more intrepid to do, book a mushroom foraging course at Foraging with Fern, or join Cowdray’s forager on an Autumnal Foraging Walk (selected dates). Cowdray celebrates Apple Day at the Cowdray Estate and you can refresh yourself at the Farm Shop and Café when you visit.

Choosing and picking your own pumpkin and other produce in West Sussex is a great family activity this autumn - and makes a perfect half term day out. Discover local farms offering seasonal favourites where you can pick your own for the freshest produce available. You'll find perfectly entertaining pumpkin patches dotted around West Sussex offering pick your own pumpkins, carving and decorating along with other family friendly activities and entertainment. Near West Wittering Beach, Dell Quay PYO offers pumpkin picking fun along with Somerley Fields, Bignor Pumpkins, Arundel Pumpkin Picking Patch and Rogate Pumpkin Patch to choose from - we also love Rogate's Pumpkin Smash event.

West Sussex has an abundance of seasonal treasures and there is no better place to snap them up than one of the colourful farmers’ markets in the area. For fresh and seasonal produce, or artisan goods made with local skills, pick up freshly baked bread, indulge in some locally made chocolate or taste test some acclaimed West Sussex wine. Places to head for are Chichester, Petworth and Midhurst to shop fresh and local.

Vineyards in West Sussex are thriving, with a number of award-winning venues dotted about our beautiful countryside. Autumn is the time to harvest the crop and you too can get involved with picking grapes at one of the special harvest days open to the public. You can visit Ashling Park Estate and Tinwood Estate to find out how the winemaking process works, refine your palate with a tasting experience, and then take some home as a souvenir. 

Make the most of your vineyard visit; many of our local vineyards have restaurants and accommodation attached. Why not pull out all the stops and turn your visit into an overnight stay?

West Sussex has its fair share of spooky venues for those looking to be thrilled this Halloween. Deep dive into the history on our doorstep by visiting Arundel Castle or Cowdray Castle or walk the cobbled lanes or city walls of Chichester for a journey into the past. The infamous Racton Monument is said to be the most haunted spot in West Sussex – visit if you dare! Explore atmospheric Kingley Vale, a landscape shrouded in mystery and home to the UK’s oldest trees, where the twisted ancient yews whisper with the restless spirits of the Vikings and druids said to be buried there. 

Image: CKings Wiki Commons

Look out for family friendly Guy Fawkes celebrations this year, with festivities hotting up in October and November. For Goodwood members and fellows, the popular Kennels Bonfire Night celebrations are taking place on the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th November with marshmallows, a bonfire and fireworks. Heyshott Bonfire and Fireworks is a traditional village event with a torchlight procession and a spectacular firework finale. Fontwell Park Racecourse offers fabulous fireworks, fantastic entertainment, funfair rides and delicious food stalls. Petworth Hampers Green Bonfire and Fireworks on the 7^th November is a family-friendly community event and has a torchlight procession as part of its celebration.

Image: The Kennels, Goodwood

When is the best time to see autumn colours in West Sussex?

Visit West Sussex in October or November for the best autumn colour.

Where can you go pumpkin picking in West Sussex?

There are pumpkin patches at Dell Quay, Somerley. Rogate, Bignor and Arundel.

Which vineyards can you visit in West Sussex?

Visitors are welcome at Ashling Park Estate, Tinwood Estate, Roebuck near Petworth, Stopham Vineyard and Kinsbrook, amongst others.

What are the best autumn walks in West Sussex?

There are many autumn walks you can do in West Sussex. Explore the Windmill Trail, Black Down, Kingley Vale, Centurion Way or Salterns Way to name a few.