Things to do in summer in West Sussex

Summer brings out the best in the beautiful walks of West Sussex. With both sea and hills on our doorstep, West Sussex offers some of the best summer walks in the UK. Coastal and harbour walks are perfect for those seeking a flat landscape for a stroll while the South Downs have some of the most spectacular viewpoints for walking in West Sussex. With their undulating terrain, uninterrupted views to the sea and limitless picnic spots set in wildflower meadows or shady copses, the countryside in West Sussex is sublime. 

Seaside strolls

For intrepid walkers, the Chichester Harbour Circular Walk takes in six harbour-side villages as well as a short ferry crossing from Itchenor towards Bosham, on to Fishbourne, Apuldram, Dell Quay and Birdham. Chichester Harbour is a National Landscape with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, with optional historic diversions of ancient churches and Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Don’t miss: You will want to sample the many delicious eateries en route, perfect for lunch, a snack or a pick-me-up. There is the Ship, Shoreside Café, Anchor Bleu, Scuttlebutt Café and the Boathouse amongst others.

Another favourite is the coastal walk from West Wittering to East Head, a bracing 4 mile stomp across the sands, with wide-reaching seascapes to make the soul sing and options for you to take a dip if the weather suits. You will definitely have earned an ice cream by the time you finish.

Check out: The Landing, West Wittering Beach Café and The Wittering as you wander. Don’t forget to pre-book parking before you go.

City wanders

Get a bird's eye view on the Chichester City Walls Walk, 1.5 miles of the most complete set of Roman defences in the south of England. Take in the Cathedral, Priory Park, the old castle motte and the beautiful Bishops Palace Gardens, passing the four Roman gateways which served as the ancient entry points to the city. Some parts of the wall are wheelchair accessible.

Don’t forget: Take full advantage of the many refreshment options available in Chichester: The Ghost at the Feast, The Ivy, Joanna’s Boutique Tea Rooms, Boston Tea Party… so many choices!

Another way for you to see the city from a different viewpoint is by following the Chichester Street Art Trail, which will guide you around town taking in an eclectic mix of exterior artworks on the way.

Refuel at: The Buttery, Fenwick’s Café, Cloister’s Kitchen and Garden, the Fat Fig and more.

Circular Walks

The Halnaker Windmill Trail is one of many circular walks. It's just over 4 miles and takes in the stunning vineyards of Tinwood Estate on the way, plus the dramatic Halnaker Tree Tunnel with its over-arching tree formation. And that is even before you reach the windmill with its spectacular 360 degree views!

Don’t miss: Take advantage of pit stops for snacks and meals on the way, such as the Boxgrove Village Stores, the Anglesey pub, and tapas and wine on offer at Tinwood.

Try the buggy-friendly Stansted Park Circular Walk, a 2.3 mile stroll around extensive grounds combining the historical elegance of Stansted House with its glorious nature surrounds. 

Don’t forget: There are facilities and snacks in the Pavilion Tearoom to keep your little ones happy - keep your eyes out for the Highland Cattle which graze the fields surrounding Stansted House.

Dog friendly loops

A treat for dogs and their human counterparts is Kingley Vale, home to some of the oldest living things in the UK, namely a twisted and gnarled grove of ancient trees. Choose from miles of walkways, spotting far-reaching views, chalky grassland and 14 ancient monuments as you go.

Refreshments required? We recommend the Hare and Hounds or the Horse and Groom for good pub grub. There is also a coffee van in the car park at the start of the trail.

Another slice of dog walker's paradise is Harting Down, where endless viewpoints stretch in all directions as far as the sea. Drive up from South Harting to the National Trust car park and you will be richly rewarded before you even begin your walk.

Refuel: You can stop at the nearby Follia Café for delicious snacks or a light lunch, the White Hart pub in South Harting, or Sky Park Farm for mouth-watering farm-to-fork meals.

Family buggy-friendly trails

The RSPB reserve at Pagham is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A wetland of international significance, it is short (only two miles), there are no steps or stiles, and there is natural West Sussex beauty and birds at every step.

For something a little bit different and child-friendly, entice your little ones on the Selsey Seal Art Trail, an innovative route around town which uses brightly coloured seals as the signposts. Each has been designed by a talented local art student and features a QR code which will tell you historical nuggets about the heritage of Selsey.

Feeling peckish? The Lifeboat Inn, The Seal, Chaplins or Waves café will hit the spot.

West Sussex has the most fabulous range of cycle routes across both flat and undulating terrain – there is something to suit everyone! Whether you prefer coastal lanes to traffic-free trails, circular rides or town-to-coast day trips, gentle family friendly cycle routes or something more hard core, West Sussex is brilliant on two wheels.

The Salterns Way

The Salterns Way is a popular coastal cycle route from Chichester, along Chichester Harbour to West Wittering. It is flat, takes in plenty of stopping points on the way and, once you have emerged from the city centre, it is quiet and rural with much of the trail traffic-free. Perfect for a family cycle ride or those seeking a more gentle expedition. 

Feeling peckish? Stop at The Boat House at Chichester Marina or The Crown and Anchor in Dell Quay for a restorative bite.

The Bill Way (Route 88)

The Bill Way, or Route 88 (8 miles there and 8 miles back!), takes you out of central Chichester, through beautiful views of the West Sussex wetlands and over to Pagham Harbour. It is flat so gentle on the legs for families, and teeming with wildlife, mostly in the form of birds who live or over-winter here.

Refreshments: Try The Old Piggery Farm Shop and Tearoom close to the harbour.

Centurion Way

The Centurion Way extends from Chichester, passing through Lavant and up to Singleton, with plans to link to The South Downs Way at Cocking. It is relatively flat and mostly off road, so great for cycling or walking, and features the striking Chichester Road Gang sculptures, which use empty oxygen cylinders to create an army of Roman road workers, and the restored former railway station at Singleton. The route is accessible for wheelchairs at West Dean.

Don’t miss: There are many delightful pit stops on route, from West Dean Stores and Tearoom, The Selsey Arms, The Royal Oak at Lavant, The Earl of March, The Partridge at Singleton and the Weald and Downland Living Museum café.

Cycle The South Downs Way

The entire length of the 100 miles of The South Downs Way is suitable for mountain biking. Good places to access the route are Cocking, Harting Down or Bignor Hill near Amberley. 

Recommended pit stops: The Cadence Café near Cocking is right on the trail and will set you up well for your journey ahead. South Harting has The White Hart pub and La Follia café in the village for a refuel, while Amberley offers the Black Horse for delicious bites to eat.

Bike hire

Southern E-bike Rentals offers hire of electric bikes, helmets and everything else you need from their pop up hire centre at Concierge Camping in West Ashling or Bosham train station, both ideally placed for exploring coastal bike paths or the South Downs cycle trails.

Bosham train station is an easy day trip from London or elsewhere, and makes for an enjoyable summer day out in the West Sussex countryside or coast.

Additionally, App-Bike is an app offering self-serve bike hire stations at different locations in the area, as well as route information to follow.

Repair shops

Repair stations can be found en route at West Dean Stores and Tearoom or Chichester Bike Project.

Once summer arrives there is nothing better than camping out, and West Sussex ticks all the boxes. A mini-break is a perfect escape for some outdoor living, and you can choose from camping, glamping or a holiday park to put you close to beaches and the South Downs in West Sussex.

Camping in the summer brings us closer to nature and the simple things in life. West Sussex has a wealth of campsites to choose from, offering classic pitches for tents or campervans. If you prefer a more stylish option, glamping choices are available with bell tents, shepherd’s huts or a safari tent – all glamorous offerings for a fun and relaxed summer in West Sussex. 

A holiday park can be just what you and the children need for a short or long break this summer. Perfect for families, they have great facilities and beaches on your proverbial doorstep. 

How to choose your campsite or glamping break?

Beach: Are you the kind of family that likes to spend as much time as you can in the water once summer arrives? Then look for a family campsite or a holiday park near the West Sussex coast and you will keep everyone happy. Wicks Farm Holiday Park is just 1.5 miles from the golden sands of West Wittering while Seal Bay Resort in Selsey boasts a location right on the beach.

Countryside: For viewpoints to take your breath away, you can’t go wrong with camping near the South Downs, where you will have endless hills to climb, picnic spots to choose and, and walks to wander. Camp amidst our pristine countryside and acres of ancient woodland, with walkable country pubs and historic towns such as Petworth, Midhurst and Chichester, where charming independent shops and world-class art galleries await. Find your wild side at Wilde Combe Camping close to Midhurst which boasts two private reservoirs to swim and paddle board so ticks all the boxes. At Woodfire at Westerlands near Petworth, you will be surrounded by sublime scenery in every direction and have the opportunity to sample fireside feasting. 

Eco friendly: Camping is an opportunity to get close to nature while lowering your carbon footprint. At Stubcroft Farm Campsite you can relax knowing that every sustainable decision has been made for you in advance, so you can unwind with a clear conscience just 1.5 miles from the surfers’ paradise that is East Wittering.

Dogs: If you can’t imagine a weekend break without your furry friend, make sure you choose somewhere he’s welcome. The Graffham Camping and Caravanning Club site welcomes dogs and has oodles of trails for dog walking right from the motorhome door. Dog-friendly Newhouse Farm Wild Camping is within the Dark Sky Reserve so perfect for a spot of star gazing.

Glamping: For a little more luxury try a self-contained luxury safari lodge with underfloor heating at Concierge Camping at West Ashling!  

Don't forget: To consider your options in advance, and book in plenty of time for the summer holidays.

This summer head to the coast for paddle boarding, kayaking and beach days. There’s no better way to spend summer in West Sussex than on the sparkling water! We recommend checking out the tide times before you go, as well as weather information like wind speed and direction. 

Paddle boarding/Kayaking

A variety of local operators offer kayaking and stand up paddle board guided tours of Chichester Harbour. It is a fantastic way for you to take in the local scenery, get a front row seat to the wildlife that call the harbour home and, if you’re lucky, spot harbour seals in the area.

Windsurfing

If you want to hire watersports equipment or get the best tuition, 2XS at West Wittering will kit you out with all you need for windsurfing, surfing, wingfoiling, kite surfing and SUP.

Surfing

Bracklesham Bay or East Wittering are the cool places to head for some surfing. Both have great surf vibes and a number of good cafés to refuel and warm up. The Beach at Bracklesham has surf hire and tuition for children and adults running alongside its popular café.

Sailing

Chichester Harbour in West Sussex is the home of sailing meccas Bosham Sailing Club, Itchenor Sailing Club and Cobnor Activities Centre. All of them offer sailing tuition for children and adults in beautiful surroundings, whether you are a beginner or more experienced.

Swimming

The opportunities for swimming are plentiful with great swim spots along the West Sussex coast. Most famous is West Wittering for its endless golden beach, but East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey have lovely options too, without the crowds.

Beach games and sandcastles

For its wide and flat sandy swathes of beach, and a plethora of things to do, you can’t beat West Wittering. This is the place to bring your beach games and build your sandcastles – the sky is literally the limit here!

Another sandy favourite is Selsey East Beach which has won awards for its clean clear water. World renowned for its seafood, you can buy fresh-off-the-boat fish from the Fishermen’s Huts such as Selsey Willow’s or Julie’s.

The West Sussex coast - a summer hot spot

We are lucky in West Sussex, to have easy access to so many recognised beach destinations, each offering something a bit different. 

West Wittering, with its wide sands and shallow water, is perfect for a family day at the beach. Top tip: we recommend pre-booking your parking as it gets busy here on sunny days.

Other great spots for water sports are Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering, where you'll find a mix of sand and shingle beaches which are often quieter with easier parking.

And don’t forget Selsey where you can choose from miles of shoreline: East Beach, Marine Beach - where dog walking is permitted all year round - and Selsey Bill which is great for dogs but is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents.

It wouldn’t be a proper West Sussex summer day out without our dogs in tow, and West Sussex is packed with places where dogs are more than welcome! We have curated some of the best dog walks and dog-friendly beaches in West Sussex – from shady woodland trails to sea-breeze strolls.

Hot-day walks

Your dog will thank you for choosing a walk with his needs in mind. On a hot summer’s day in West Sussex, think shade, woodland walks or a shorter loop if you can’t avoid the sun. 

Kingley Vale, with its gnarled and twisted ancient yews offering shade, is a great destination for both dogs and humans when the sunshine is blazing.

Refresh: You can pop to dog-friendly pubs, The Horse and Groom or The Hare and Hounds. 

Petworth House and Park is another good option, with open parkland for a good romp but plenty of ancient trees for your pooch to seek some respite from the sun. With 700 acres of trails you can make a dog walk as short or long as you and your pet wish.

Feeling peckish? Try the National Trust café or one of Petworth’s delicious eateries: We love E.Street Bar and Grill who will welcome your dog at lunch or dinner time, or why not share a sausage roll from Cherry’s Deli with your best furry friend.

Beach and coastal paths

Most dogs enjoy nothing more than running across endless beach and splashing in the shallows. West Sussex has a great list to choose from, although do check local signage as some (for example, West Wittering and East Beach in Selsey) prohibit dogs during the summer months. Marine Beach and Selsey Bill are great places for a dog walk, as is the Selsey Seal Trail which follows a route of painted seals offering information about the heritage of Selsey as you go. The Salterns Way and Centurion Way are both fantastic long trails for you and your dog, and largely off road, however you should keep dogs on a lead as they are also cycle paths.

Don’t miss: The opportunities for you to refuel on the way – The Crown and Anchor, The Ship Inn and The Quarterdeck Harbour by Chichester Harbour, or West Dean Village Stores and the Selsey Arms close to the Centurion Way.

Post-walk café stops

West Sussex is brimming with dog-friendly pubs and cafés which will strive to make dogs feel as welcome as they do you. Many offer dog bowls of water and even have snacks available for your pooch.

​Don't miss: Fitzcane’s in Midhurst has doggy ice cream for a special treat! Petworth boasts a two paw print status (which is the National Trust’s rating for dog-friendliness at its different locations), which means you can be sure to find water bowls, dog bins and appropriate dog walks on site. Cowdray Farm Shop and Café has dog treats as well as human goodies you won’t be able to resist.

Don’t forget: When the weather is hot it is important to think ahead to ensure your dog is kept cool, safe and hydrated. Pack water and a portable bowl with you if you anticipate being out for a while, and plan dog walks in the early or late part of the day to avoid the peak of the West Sussex summer heat. Carry a lead with you at all times, particularly when in proximity to wildlife. For more information, browse our dog-friendly guides to the best days out in West Sussex this summer.

Families looking for outdoor activities in West Sussex this summer will be spoilt for choice with family friendly trails and activities, outstanding visitor attractions and more!

Chichester Watersports freshwater lake has loads of family entertainment including the ever popular inflatable Aqua Park - which opens for the summer - as well as kayaking, wake boarding, stand up paddle boarding and more to excite and exhaust your youngsters.

Fisher’s Farm near Billingshurst has a fun mix of inflatable play, rides and animals to occupy kids for hours. Aldingbourne Country Centre also offers chances for animal encounters and family activities. A close-up encounter with the deer at Sky Park Farm will captivate your children as they feed them from their hands before hitting the adventure playground.

Don’t forget: Sky Park Farm's Bar & Grill is on hand for a refuel or pack a picnic and head for a picnic bench.

Gardens and stately homes

A stately home or castle is more often than not accompanied by its own extensive gardens, and a great way to combine some Sussex history with an outdoor activity this summer.  Check out the National Trust’s Petworth House and Uppark House or Arundel Castle to discover history in beautiful surroundings. 

West Dean Gardens, Woodlbeding Gardens and Denmans are exceptional gardens to visit whether you're green fingered or not. 

Combine a city trip with a garden visit and head over to Chichester’s beautiful Bishops Palace Gardens – an oasis of calm amid the bustle of town.

Wildlife and nature reserves

The RSPB reserves of Pagham and Medmerry are great places to spend a summer’s day outdoors and a wonderful opportunity to spot birds in their natural habitat. Chichester Harbour has fabulous waterside walking and cycling trails as well as offering regular harbour tours on their solar powered catamaran Solar Heritage - you might get to spot the seals! Why not take a serene Chichester Canal boat trip - located near the city centre - and see how much wildlife you can spot as you go? 

Outdoor events 

Keep an eye out for our What’s On pages which is packed full of West Sussex summer events like open air theatre and outdoor film screenings, music festivals and concerts as well as family trails and activities.

There's fantastic indoor entertainment on offer too, perfect for those rainy days. For families, West Sussex has a wide variety of museums to capture the interest of little minds. To burn off energy, there are soft play venues, trampoline parks and indoor attractions which are bound to appeal.

For couples or friends, you might prefer to be immersed in some culture: West Sussex has plentiful galleries, vineyards for wine tasting experiences and a huge range of historic indoor sites.

Museums and heritage sites in West Sussex

Explore Sussex's Roman remains at Fishbourne Roman Palace or Bignor Roman Villa. Want to deep dive into the long history of Chichester? The Novium Museum will enthral and you can visit Chichester Cathedral opposite while you are there. Petworth Cottage Museum will delight as you step into a recreation of a worker's cottage from 1910. For aviation and military history enthusiasts, deep dive into the fascinating stories at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum - you can also test your flying skills in their flight simulator.

Galleries in West Sussex

Did you know West Sussex is brimming with art? In Chichester explore the much-lauded Pallant House Gallery and the Oxmarket Contemporary Gallery which sit in the city centre surrounded by opportunities to discover independent shops and interesting cafes.

In Petworth House, looked after by the National Trust, the art is second to none, with works by Turner and Van Dyke to name just two. Follow this with a trip to Newlands House Gallery nearby which in contrast showcases modern and contemporary art. 

Check out: The opportunity to eat in the fabulous Hungry Guest café while you are there.

Goodwood Art Foundation pushes artistic boundaries in the most interesting of ways. Spend a day here exploring the scenic woodland discovering sculptures and art works dotted across the site. 

We love: 24 - the onsite restaurant, or Goodwood's Butcher, Farmer, Chef restaurant just along the road.

Castles and historic houses

Soak up a little West Sussex heritage at Uppark House (National Trust), Stansted House, Parham House & Gardens, Arundel Castle, Petworth House & Park, Amberley Museum and Castle…

Indoor entertainment in West Sussex

Flip Out in Chichester is an imaginative trampoline park - and one of the biggest on the south coast - which the young and the young at heart will love. 

Little Street Chichester supports educational play for little ones, with scaled down role-play rooms for them to try out future careers.

Vineyards in West Sussex

We can’t think of a better way to spend a afternoon than wine tasting as you gaze out at the beautiful scenery beyond, whatever the weather. West Sussex has excellent award-winning vineyards on its doorstep: Kinsbrook, Ashling Park Estate, Tinwood, Roebuck, Stopham - real ale lovers will enjoy the Tap Room at Langham Brewery.

Afternoon tea 

This is a lovely way of making a rainy afternoon into an event! We love afternoon tea at Joanna’s Boutique Tearoom, The Ivy, Goodwood House for something really special, or the elegant Millstream Hotel in Bosham - just a few of the many options.

Theatre and cinema

Chichester Festival Theatre is world renowned, with many shows making their way to London or Broadway. We recommend seeing the summer musical which is always a showstopper.

Chichester Cinema at New Park is a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening. Here you will find a chance to see an eclectic mix or films from around the world - the annual International Film Festival often includes outdoor screenings.

More ideas: 

Check out our rainy day page for even more ideas about how to make the most of the wet weather.