Cool Things to do this Summer

Maize Mazes and sunflower patches are a firm family friendly favourite for summer holidays in West Sussex. Children of all ages will enjoy getting lost in a Maize Maze at Cowdray Estate, Midhurst, Bignor's Sunflower Maze and Somerley Fields Sunflowers (with new wildflowers for 2026) near West Wittering Beach. Explore the twisting pathways of the mazes, with childrens' activities to enjoy along the way including Tractor Rides (Somerley Fields) and photo opportunities aplenty, then take home your very own beautiful bunch of Sunflowers.

Witness the thrill of a medieval jousting tournament at Loxwood Joust. Expect to encounter medieval characters from knights and and royalty to witches and woodland folk and explore a world of entertainment this summer. Spectacular jousting tournaments are accompanied by intense combat displays, majestic birds of prey and historical re-enactments as well as a bustling marketplace and plenty of feasting, plus, will you take on a quest? This is an unforgettable day out for everyone, from the young to the young at heart. Extend your memorable medieval adventure with on-site camping pitches.

Relaxing on the beaches of West Sussex is a perfect way to spend sunny summer days, with sandcastles, swimming and ice creams aplenty. Delve a little deeper and discover the treasures that lie on Selsey's shores on a Marine Life Walk. Come armed with an inquisitive pair of eyes, a camera and lots of questions as you learn how to seek out the marine residents with Anya Frampton of Mulberry Marine Experiences. Runs on various dates during the summer, advance booking required. £15 per person.

It's Padel time! The UK's fastest growing racket sport, which is a hybrid of tennis and squash, has established a place in the nation's hearts and leisure time, and here in West Sussex you'll find some excellent and truly Sussex Padel courts to try out. Whether you're new to the sport, a dedicated Padel disciple or looking for something fun to do with family and friends, Padel should be on your list of things to do this summer.

Padel in Chichester

Vida Del Padel sits on the outskirts of the city and brings the Spanish spirit of Padel to Sussex. There's three courts here along with free racket hire and a ball vending machine, plus social events for locals and free parking. Open 7 days a week, 6am to 11pm so you can get your Padel fix when it suits you.

Padel in the West Sussex countryside

Punk Padel offers several Padel sites in hidden away rural locations, one near Emsworth and one not far from Goodwood. At these you'll find yourself a private indoor court where you can even play your own tunes on the Bluetooth speakers provided. The East Dean site, based on a farm not far from Goodwood, also offers UV lights for a rave-style Padel game! Rackets are provided should you need, along with a ball vending machine. Both sites are run via an automated system synced to your booking, toilets and free parking are available and spectators are welcome to come too. Open 7 days a week, 6am-10pm.

Padel at Chichester Harbour

You'll find The Shed at Chidham a hive of activity with a fully enclosed padel court and a friendly, welcoming community. Rackets and balls are available for you to use and there's an on site cafe serving drinks and pastries 7:30am-4pm daily. There's on site parking here along with toilets and changing rooms. The Shed is set in the village of Chidham near Chichester Harbour, near The Old House at Home. Why not combine your game with a walk to the harbour and a pub lunch? Open 6am-10pm every day.

Sit back and soak up entertainment of your choice this summer. Choose a live outdoor theatre productions in scenic settings like Weald & Downland Living Museum, Stansted Park Fishbourne Roman Palace or Chichester Cathedral, or pick outdoor cinema in Chichester's Priory Park, where open air screenings of classic films kick off the annual International Film Festival.

Whether you're an outdoors adventurer looking to explore the stunning Sussex coast on or in the water, or prefer something a little more serene, the unspoilt West Sussex coastline awaits. You'll find a huge choice of experiences to be had from family sailing tuition and wind surf lessons, to near-silent boat tours of Chichester Harbour. We love the Sunset Paddle trip at Chichester Harbour by Fluid Adventures which use double sit-on kayaks making it perfect for a trip with friends or family as you witness a Sussex sunset against this beautiful backdrop. Families can learn to sail together at Cobnor Activities Centre. In Hawk 20 Keelboats, up to five of you can get to grips with the basics of sailing with your own dedicated instructor.

Adventures under canvas offer a extra level of freedom and connect you with nature like no other stay. Choose a campsite where you can wake to the sound of birdsong, toast marshmallows over the fire and sit back and gaze at starry Sussex skies. Additional creature comforts can be found in ready-assembled yurts at a variety of campsites like Wild Combe and Woodfire, where phenomenal feasting is also the order of the day. Lordington Park Campsite even has a tearoom! Whether you choose to pitch up for a night or two or escape for a longer break, maybe 2024 is your year to conquer camping? Explore the wide range of welcoming campsites here.

Children of all ages will love meeting some of West Sussex's farm friends. Meet Slow Grown Farm's woodland pigs and herd of cows as they graze in peaceful West Sussex meadows and learn about the farm's approach to farming that's all about animal welfare and the environment. More farmyard fun awaits at Northlands Farm Summer Festival where families will love getting lost in a hay bale maze, hopping aboard tractor rides and meeting the resident guinea pigs, sheep, donkeys, alpacas and chickens. 

Cyclists of all abilities can enjoy one of West Sussex's most popular cycle routes - Centurion Way which leads you from Chichester to the village of Singleton and is a brilliant way to explore beautiful Sussex scenery from two wheels. The Centurion Way cycle route is off-road and on the most part, reasonably flat terrain which makes it ideal for all abilities and types of bike. The trail is roughly 9km trail from Chichester to West Dean via the village of Lavant on a section of a former railway line (the site of the railway line is marked by the 'Chichester Road Gang' - a group of sculptures made from empty oxygen cylinders by David Kemp) as of autumn 2025 a new extension to the trail allows you to travel further, to the village of Singleton. Along the way you'll find the former Singleton Railway Station as well as further nods to the railway heritage.

Centurion Way also features an easy-access section of 1.5km with a wheelchair ramp for access to the village of West Dean. At West Dean you'll find The Selsey Arms, and West Dean Stores and Tearoom perfectly positioned for refuelling pitstops while in Singleton you can stop off for a pint at The Partridge Inn.

One of the sweetest summer outings in West Sussex is a trip to Dell Quay Pick Your Own, a family‑run fruit farm tucked between Chichester and West Wittering beach. It’s a brilliant all‑weather activity for families thanks to huge polytunnels which keep you dry as you pick. The tabletop-height plants mean little ones can easily pick their own strawberries and raspberries, giving them the freedom to fill their own punnets. This is a fun outing for children of all ages, and grown ups too - ycome back in autumn for pumpkins!
We love: entry is free and you only pay for what you pick, plus you can bring your own containers to help reduce waste.
Opens: 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday). 

West Sussex is having a serious art moment this summer. Discover a perfect family friendly way to explore the world of colour and creativity on a Chichester Family Art Trail courtesy of Chichester BID. Marking a variety of anniversaries across Chichester's art galleries and creative spaces, including the 60th anniversary of John Piper’s tapestry at Chichester Cathedral, 50 years of Oxmarket Contemporary, and 20 years of the Pallant House Gallery extension.

Follow a colourful illustrated map to discover Chichester's cultural gems, some you know like Chichester Cathedral, Pallant House Gallery and others you might not know like Oxmarket Contemporary, Graffiti Street and Artisan Gallery. Families are encouraged to explore  everything fromcontemporary street art to historic treasures and modern masterpieces. 

We love: this is a completely free trail - download your own map or pick up a copy from a city centre retailer. 
Opens: 18th July - 1st September

Quite literally a cool thing to do, the South Downs Planetarium has a fantastic programme of summer shows exploring planets, stars, moon and galaxies. The darkened interior of the Planetarium will whisk you away on hot summer days, to explore the night sky. An expert presenter will guide you on your explorations as you're immersed in the full-dome show. There's a variety of shows this summer which investigate the Milky Way, summertime stars, moons and planets, and even shooting stars. Explore the