Half Term for families in West Sussex

Plan a family day out to one of West Sussex's pumpkin patches or PYO pumpkin fields. Select your perfect pumpkin, discover spooky fun and family activities, and pause for snacks and drinks.
Don't miss: Pumpkin patches offer excellent family photo stops - time to fill up that Instagram grid and family photo album

Chichester Cathedral's annual light experience returns inviting you to witness the Cathedral transformed into a mesmerising canvas of light, sound and digital art. This year's 'Illuminating Art' installation by Luxmuralis promises to be a captivating after-dark experience, immersing visitors of all ages in a journey through four centuries of artistic imagination.

Last year's show was sold out so we recommend booking your tickets now. Shows run in 15 minute time slots between 5:15pm and 7:45pm from Friday 23rd to Saturday 31st October (opening times vary by day, please check before booking).

Don't miss: the full height and grandeur of the Cathedral are brought to life in a striking finale in the Nave.

Bring the family for a day of spooky historical adventures as you travel back to 1665 and help a village healer recover her stolen potion ingredients at Weald & Downland Living Museum's 'Plagues & Potions' trail (24th-31st October).  This family friendly trail challenges young explorers to solve historic clues and complete the Plagues & Potions Challenge. Running daily over October half term. There's more spine tingling fun at Cowdray Ruins where families are invited to seek out the clues which tell of a chilling curse of fire and water, follow the Halloween Trail (28th-31st October) to uncover hidden secrets and see if you can uncover the truth behind the curse of Cowdray ruins, and break the spell! Recommended for children aged 3-12 years old. 'We're Going on a Ghost Hunt' at Petworth House & Park this October half term - join this family trail based on the bestselling children’s books, The Bunny Adventures. Children are invited to pick a bunny name and follow the family-friendly trail through the gardens with games and activities along way, then claim a sticker and join the celebration party. Recommended for children aged 3-8 years (10th October - 1st November). See spooky science in action at Sky Park Farm at a Spooktacular Potions Science Workshop (26th October) where children can marvel at how different materials react and change, including a dry ice experiment for added spooky effect (26th October, booking essential).

Don't miss: Brave the giant hairy spiders in Hambrook Barn at Weald & Downland Living Museum which has been given a terrifying makeover - visit here and challenge your family to some spooky games. Eyeball and spoon race, anyone? 

Plan a healthy day of adventuring in the great West Sussex outdoors on a woodland walk. Witness the wonder of autumn colours, crunch leaves underfoot and see if you can spot mushrooms, toadstools and wildlife along the way as you explore shaded woodland trails. Pack a picnic, flask of hot chocolate and wrap up warm and see where the path leads.

Don't miss: Kingley Vale's ancient Yew Tree forest is an atmospheric, mysterious location, perfect for spooky season - the trees here are thought to mark the graves of Viking warriors slain in battle.

Halloween dressing up is encouraged for Chichester Canal's 'spooktacular' halloween family fun day at the Canal Heritage Centre on 26th October 10am-3pm where families are invited to come and enjoy craft activities and spooky fun. Come in your halloween costume for themed boat trips on October 31st running at 11am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm (£15 per person to include tasty treats and fun activities). Chichester Canal is located just a short walk from Chichester city centre.

Step into Roman Army life at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Children enlisting as trainee Roman soldiers will complete tasks to earn their day's pay, under the watchful eye of the Drill Officer - from Roman writing to sword and shield practice, and even spear throwing. The Roman recruits will dress in Roman uniform and perform military exercises and try Roman food as well as playing Roman board games, experiencing a day in the life of a Roman soldier. Activities are including in entrance price and run 26th-30th October.

Don't miss: a pumpkin trail through the recreated Roman Palace gardens - a nod to Halloween's ancient roots in Samhain, the Celtic festival that marked the turning of the year.

Discover perfect family cycling at Goodwood Motor Circuit this half term. Offering an ideal flat, traffic-free cycling circuit, the historic Motor Circuit opens for a day of cycling sessions on Sunday 1st November 10am-4pm. Older children aged 13-17 can cycle while accompanied by a parent or guardian trackside, while under-12s must be accompanied on the track. Sessions cost £10 for adults, £5 for 13-17 year olds, while under 12s are free of charge with a paying adult - and you can cycle for as long as you like! 

Food & Drink: Refuel at the nearby Aerodrome Cafe, which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks, lunches

Learn what delicious treats nature can offer with a West Sussex foraging experience. Learn about the wild foods growing in Sussex and how to forage responsibly. Your professional forager will explain how to identify wild plants and fungi safely, and then how you can turn your finds into delicious food. Choose from various dates at Cowdray Estate as well as experiences at Goodwood and West Dean Gardens.

What you need to know: foraging experiences are a brilliant way to get out into nature, and they run rain or shine, so we recommend a raincoat and suitable footwear 

Seek out the spooky at Stansted House this Halloween. Choose from two spine-tingling encounters as you explore the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the South Undercroft of Stansted House itself - a series of vaulted cellars in the basement of the Mansion which isn't usually open to the public. As you creep through archways into dark and scary passageways and tunnels you'll encounter horrifying beings intent on evil. This experience is recommended for children aged 8 and over, with parental discretion advised.

Older children aged 14+ can enter the misty Stansted maze, if they dare! Expect jump scares as you explore, before venturing to the haunted undercrofts of Stansted House.

What you need to know: Recommended ages apply for these events which run 28th-31st October. The Crypt is open for drinks after your spooky encounters.

Autumn is a great time to join a boat trip exploring Chichester Harbour. Choose from Harbour Discovery trips, Sunset experiences or special family friendly 'Birds Ahoy' tours, accompanied by expert guides who will help you to see the rich wildlife in the harbour, and explain why this is such a special place. You're very likely to be able to see the seals that live in the Harbour. Chichester Harbour which is home to the largest population of seals in the Solent, and groups of Harbour or Grey Seals are often seen during harbour tours.

What you need to know: trips last approximately 90 minutes and depart from Itchenor, where you can find a large car park.  You'll board Solar Heritage for your boat trip which has a toilet on board.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Goodwood Art Foundation, sitting prettily amid shady forest.  As you explore serene forest with glimpses of views to the sea, you'll find a variety of installations and artworks from a range of artists including Nancy Holy, Eva Rothschild, and the late Yayoi Kasuma - these pieces form the Foundation's summer programme which runs until 1st November. This is an experience best enjoyed slowly as you spend a peaceful few hours discovering all the pieces and enjoying the golden autumn colours, birdsong and tranquility. Families are invited to explore the Learning Hub where craft materials are available for you to let your creativity reign free. 

Don’t Miss: Free drop-in family Art Clubs run 25th, 26th and 29th October 10.30am - 3.30pm. Admission is priced at £15 for adults with under 18s free of charge. 24, the on-site restaurant serves serves tea and coffee as well as cakes and pastries to fuel your art discoveries, with a side order of beautiful views.

When is half term in West Sussex in 2026?
October half term is expected to run from Monday 26th - Friday 30th October 2026, with Halloween falling on Saturday 31st October. Some academies and independent schools set their own dates with some extending half term to two weeks.

What is there to do in the Chichester area of West Sussex at half term?
In the Chichester area of West Sussex you can enjoy a mix of coast, countryside and heritage: beaches and boat trips around Chichester Harbour and the Witterings, historic houses and parkland at Petworth (National Trust), South Downs walks around Midhurst, and museums and family attractions in and around Chichester like Weald & Downland Living Museum's half term family trail or the spectacular Light Experience at Chichester Cathedral.

Are there Halloween events in the Chichester area?
Many attractions run family friendly trails, pumpkin activities or spooky storytelling over half term, so book early for popular slots. Pick your own pumpkins and enjoy a day out filled with spooky fun at:

Rogate Pumpkin Patch: 16th October-1st November
Arundel Pumpkin Patch: 3rd-4th October, 10-11th October, 17th-18th October, 24th-31st October
Somerley Fields PYO Pumpkins: 17th-18th October, 24th-31st October
Bignor Pumpkin Patch: 24th-31st October
Dell Quay PYO Pumpkins: 17th-18th October, 23rd-31st October
Northlands Farm Family Frights & Pumpkin Delights: 25th, 27th, 28th 29th & 31st October

Do I need to book in advance?
Family events, trails and workshops often sell out at half term, so book ahead where you can. Rogate Pumpkin Patch can be extremely busy so we recommend booking your tickets, Somerley Fields PYO Pumpkins is also worth pre-booking to avoid disappointment. Most beaches, harbour walks and the South Downs do not require booking, though West Wittering beach car park can be pre-booked and may fill up on sunny days so we recommend booking your parking ahead of your visit.

Can we visit the beach at half term?
Yes. West Wittering, East Wittering & Bracklesham Bay, and Selsey are perfect for autumnal beach walks, kite flying and shell hunting, and are popular with families even in October. Wrap up warm, and look at the tide times before you go - and check out where to go for your warming coffee and hot chocolate afterwards. We recommend pre-booking parking for West Wittering beach if the weather looks fine.

What can we do around Chichester Harbour in October?
Coastal walks, birdwatching, boat trips and the harbourside village of Bosham are all good options. Autumn brings large numbers of wading birds and wildfowl to the harbour. Chichester Harbour Conservancy is running a variety of boat trips during half term including special family friendly trips.

Is West Wittering beach dog friendly at half term?
Yes. From October dogs are allowed on all parts of the beach at West Wittering - during summer months there are restrictions on selected areas.

Where can we park for the beaches and harbour?
Parking is pay-and-display at most beach and harbour locations and can fill early on fine days. Arrive early, and consider walking or cycling from nearby villages - you can even cycle from Chichester to West Wittering beach. You can book West Wittering Beach car park ahead of your visit, too.

What is there to do with kids in Petworth?
Petworth House and Park (National Trust) is a popular visitor attraction, with parkland for autumn walks and a herd of fallow deer.  For half term children can enjoy a 'We're going on a Ghost hunt' Trail ideal for 3-8 year olds. The town of Petworth itself has independent shops and cafes which we recommend exploring, too.  

Are there ghost tours or spooky things to do in Petworth and Midhurst?
A family friendly trail aimed at younger children is running at Petworth House & Park (see above) while at the Cowdray Ruins in Midhurst families can join a Halloween Trail uncovering the secrets of the curse of the Cowdray Ruins.

Where can we walk the South Downs near Midhurst?
The area has a wide choice of routes from short family strolls to longer hikes, with autumn colour at its best in late October. You can walk sections of the South Downs Way at Cocking Hill or Harting Down near Midhurst. Explore more walks here.

Is there anything to do near Chichester, Midhurst and Petworth if it rains?
Yes there's a variety of indoor attractions and attractions which can be enjoyed in all weathers in West Sussex. Museums like The Novium Museum in Chichester, Chichester Cathedral and Fishbourne Roman Palace. Rain days are ideal for cinema and bowling and Flip Out Trampoline Park - explore more ideas for rainy days.