If you're happily swapping Valentine’s Day for Galentine’s Day, West Sussex offers the perfect setting to get out, try something new and celebrate friendship and connection your way. From workshops and courses in Chichester and the surrounding area, to hands-on experiences like bushcraft, canoeing, heritage crafts, foraging, or running groups - these activities are just as perfect for making new connections as they are for celebrating friendship.
Best Brunch spots for BFFs
A leisurely brunch is just what's needed for friendship catch ups. Some of our West Sussex favourites are:
- The Hungry Guest Cafe in Petworth - while you're here, you can also take in some inspirational art at Newlands House Gallery
- Serendipitous Bakery in Chichester - this is one of Chichester's most popular spots where the sourdough bread and pastries are entirely created by hand
- Knead in East Wittering is much loved, and for good reason. Pick up pastries to enjoy on a walk along the seafront.
- Gather & Graze in Midhurst - nutritious, delicious, seasonal dishes for you to enjoy while putting the world to rights.
- Waves Cafe in Selsey - tuck into a hearty breakfast before strolling along the shore.
Girls Afternoon Tea
Gather the girls! The Boathouse Cafe at Chichester Marina is hosting a special Galentine's afternoon tea where you'll indulge in tiers of scones, clotted cream and jam, dainty finger sandwiches, cakes, buns and more, with limitless drinks including prosecco and spritzers. What better way to spend time with friends!
Creative catch ups and girls days out
Bushcraft Courses with Forest Knights, Arundel
Date: 8th March 2026
Cost: £95 per person
Bond with your bestie while you craft a Bhutanese, or Mini Bow. A shorter version of the ever popular three day English Long Bow crafting course, you'll learn all the skills needed to make a traditional English Long Bow but using Bamboo, which allows you to complete your bow within a day. You should leave with a perfect, shooting bow and new skills unlocked!
Afterwards: Make a beeline for The Black Rabbit, Arundel for a toast to your new achievement.
A Creative Weekend Retreat at West Dean College, Chichester
Date: 13th-15th February 2026
Cost: from £342 (not including accommodtion)
Spend quality time with friends on a creative retreat at West Dean on a Silver Jewellery making course at West Dean College. You and your BFF will learn to make a beautiful stacking silver ring set under the expert eye of tutor, Laila Smith. Accommodation is available at the college itself, making this a real retreat during which you'll learn a whole new skill and come home with new jewellery.
Afterwards: If you opt to stay on site, you'll have the chance to expore the beautiful West Dean Estate
Heritage courses at the Weald and Downland Living Museum, Chichester
Date: 28th March 2026
Cost: £160 per person
You and a friend can spend a companionable day learning a heritage craft at the Weald & Downland Living Museum’s Make a Living Willow Chair course. On this unique course which helps preserve the ancient crafts, trades and manufactures of the Weald and Downland region, you’ll work with a variety of coloured barked willows to create a living seat. In this one-of-a-kind learning environment you’ll make use of the museums historic exhibit buildings, before taking the chair back to your home and garden to admire where you'll remember a day of crafting, conversation and creativity.
Afterwards: Reward your hard work with a meal at Singleton’s The Fox Goes Free, for delicious food set against the spectacular backdrop of Levin Down.
A relaxing Saturday afternoon at Chisel Pottery, Chichester
Date: 7th March 2026
Cost: £50 per person
Spend a relaxing afternoon crafting heart bowls and trinket dishes at Chisel Pottery, Chichester. Whether you're brand new to clay or a keen potter introducing friends to the delights of clay, this is a fun workshop for everyone. You and friends will be rewarded for your efforts by taking home your handmade treasures to show off or gift to a loved one.
Afterwards: treat yourselves to afternoon tea in Chichester at Joanna's Boutique tearoom or The Ivy.
Beginners Photography Course with Imber Court Photo Training, Chichester
Date: 28th February 2026 (further dates available)
Cost: £95 per person
Do you and your friend have a shared love of photography, or would you like to improve your photography skills. Book yourselves on Imber Court Photo Training’s beginners’ photography course and Ashley will teach you everything else you need to know as you capture the beauty of Chichester Harbour. All you need is a passion for photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera and bags of enthusiasm. On this comprehensive course, you’ll get to grips with shutter speed, aperture, ISO, composition and lighting so you can show off stunning new photos.
Afterwards: Admire more incredible views of Chichester Harbour as you enjoy a meal at the Crown & Anchor, Dell Quay.
Date: 14th February (and on all Saturdays during the year at 3:30pm)
Cost: £160 for two people sharing the still and working together
Get the girls together and create your very own West Sussex tipple at Ashling Park's Gin School. Using 24 different botanicals and practical and theoretical training, you will craft your personal gin in a mini copper still, and of course take home your tipple for unforgettable G&Ts!
Go outdoors
Learn to kayak with a friend in the stunning surroundings of Chichester Harbour. Perfect for beginners, but also ideal for improvers, this guided kayak around Chichester Harbour could kickstart a fabulous hobby you and a friend can enjoy together. From Itchenor in Chichester Harbour, you’ll hit the water and get to grips with everything from including paddling and manoeuvring skills to route planning and kit. Along the way you'll see the Harbour's amazing wildlife, soak up the buzz on the water as all kinds of boats come and go, and enjoy the serene views.
Discover Kayaking and Canoeing with Fluid Adventures, Chichester
Date: 28th February 2026
Cost: £70-95 per person
Aftwerwards: Enjoy a post-paddle pint in Itchenor’s Ship Inn.
Sussex spa days
What could be better than you and your friends whiling away a few hours relaxing and treating yourselves to pampering treatments at a West Sussex Spa? Taking time out of the daily grind for proper conversation and fun is good for the soul. Choose from a day spa package or retreat for a night or two at one of our favourite West Sussex spas like Goodwood, Spread Eagle Hotel in Midhurst or the HarSpa at Harbour Hotel, Chichester.
Health Club at The Goodwood Hotel
More great Galentine's ideas in West Sussex
- Take a guided group tour of Arundel with Arundel Historic Tours
- Indulge a shared love of gardens with a cream tea and tour of West Dean Gardens
- Spot some of Chichester Harbour’s rare wildlife on a group boat trip with Chichester Harbour Water Tours
- See the stunning state apartments at Goodwood House followed by one of the most memorable afternoon teas in West Sussex
- Explore the historic City of Chichester on a guided group tour with Chichester Tour Guides
- Undertake a guided West Sussex wildlife group tour with Nature Trek
- Join a guided group mountain bike ride, followed by a delicious pizza and pint with Pedal and Pace