Top Ten things to do in West Sussex in 2026

From Wednesday 3 June to Saturday 6 June 2026, Chichester Cathedral opens its doors to the Festival of Flowers. It returns in 2026 to celebrate it's 30th anniversary for four glorious days, filling the Cathedral’s 950 year old setting with colour, fragrance and imagination.

More than 50,000 flowers will weave their way through the historic stonework, transforming this iconic space into a living artwork. Visitors can explore over 60 exquisite floral arrangements, each one handcrafted by skilled florists and passionate flower lovers from across the county. Every corner offers a fresh perspective, with blooms chosen to complement the Cathedral’s architecture and atmosphere.

Whether you are an avid gardener, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who delights in natural beauty, the Festival of Flowers promises moments of inspiration, quiet wonder and pure visual joy. This is an experience to savour slowly, letting the scents, colours and craftsmanship unfold around you in one of England’s most beautiful sacred spaces.

Don't Miss: Adding another layer of artistry, the Festival also features an exclusive exhibition by renowned sculptor Philip Jackson, creating a striking dialogue between floral design and sculpture.

From Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 February 2026, the South Downs Dark Skies Festival returns for a truly special edition, marking the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park being designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Across ten inspiring days, the Festival will host a rich programme of events inviting you to step away from artificial light and rediscover the magic of the night. It is a chance to embrace the darkness, to marvel at star filled skies, and to reflect on how we can care for and protect this precious resource, for ourselves and for the nocturnal wildlife that depends on it.

For 2026, look out for a brand new night time Constellations and Creatures Trail, the return of the Festival podcast for another season, and the launch of a dedicated Dark Skies Hub on their website, bringing stories, resources and inspiration together in one place.

In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain’s most daring post war art commissions: a vivid tapestry by celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper (1903 to 1992), created for the space behind the High Altar. Sixty years on, the Cathedral will mark this milestone with a major exhibition in 2026.

Running from 13 February to 15 November 2026, the exhibition explores the story behind the tapestry’s creation, the vision of its commissioner Dean Walter Hussey, and the lasting impact of one of the twentieth century’s most significant ecclesiastical artworks.

Don't Miss: Running alongside the exhibition will be a public programme designed to engage audiences of all ages, including a major community weaving event in February 2026.

For 2026, Goodwood Revival will take on a distinctly Italian flavour. The Goodwood Motor Circuit will be filled with the sight and sound of a swarm of classic Vespas for the Opening Parade. Around 300 iconic Italian scooters, all original pre-1967 models to match the Revival era, will take to the track each morning. The parade forms part of a wider celebration across the Goodwood estate, as the 2026 Revival embraces the spirit of La Dolce Vita, the sweet life.

With the romance and energy of Italian culture woven through every element of the event, the Track Opening Parade promises a colourful and enthusiastic start to each day. The unmistakable buzz of scooters from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s will echo around Goodwood, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Don't Miss: The Italian Vespas will also be joined by other two-wheeled period contemporaries from Lambretta, Italjet and Iso.

West Sussex wine goes from strength to strength, with vineyards offering you wonderful ways to explore and learn about wine and immersive ways to step away from the every day. Luxury lodges for unforgettable stays, fabulous restaurants for culinary delights plus tours, tastings, and even afternoon tea - it's all here. 

Don't Miss: Find your local and favourite vineyard or brewery using our interactive map.

2026 will mark a landmark moment for walkers and nature lovers: the King Charles III England Coast Path is set to open fully in Spring 2026, creating the world’s longest managed coastal walking route at 2,700 miles. This is your chance to be among the first to explore the entire English coastline on a single, continuous National Trail.

The newest extension of the King Charles III coast path in West Sussex will improve coastal access to allow walkers to explore 78km west from East Head at West Wittering beach towards Hayling Island on the Hampshire coast. This section connects to the stretch of the coast path heading East from West Wittering to Shoreham by Sea which opened in autumn 2023. The new section presents a great opportunity to explore the shores of Chichester Harbour, the harbour-side villages of Itchenor, Bosham, Fishbourne, Chidham and on to Thorney Island, Emsworth and Hayling Island.

The path, created to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and his dedication to the natural world, links beaches, cliffs, estuaries and charming coastal towns. So, whether you are aiming to complete sections at your own pace or plan to take on the full world-record-breaking route, this year promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be among the first to follow the coastline from tip to tip and celebrate the opening of a trail that truly showcases the wonders of England.

A newly extended section of the Centurion Way is now open in the South Downs National Park, offering walkers and cyclists a chance to explore this historic trail like never before.

The route passes Singleton Station, a restored Victorian station once frequented by visitors to the Goodwood Races. The extension adds almost 2km of trail, two new entry points, and widened pathways alongside the A286. With a variety of terrain to explore from the wooded countryside of Kingley Vale to routes exploring the coastal plain, like Route 88, why not make 2026 the year you explore here. Why not hire a local guide to help you discover the area's gems? Marmalade MTB and E-Bike Tours Chichester offer a range of cycling trips with one sure to catch your eye. Bike hire is also on hand here.

Skip the London queues and discover outstanding art in West Sussex. The quality of shows you can expect to see at Chichester's Pallant House Gallery, Goodwood Art Foundation and Newlands House Gallery in Petworth is outstanding, with Modern British Art truly stepping into the spotlight.

Don't miss: Current exhibitions feature William Nicholson (Pallant House Gallery), Erasure; Featuring Laís Amaral, Solange Pessoa and Dana Awartani (Goodwood Art Foundation) and Jane Bown: Play Shadow (Newlands House Gallery).

Did you know the town of Midhurst, sitting prettily at the heart of the South Downs National Park, is a treasure trove of tales, with royal connections, horological heritage, and literary links? Soak up the atmosphere of The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, one of England's oldest coaching inns which dates back to 1430 and is home to what is thought to be one of the last wig closets in a hotel in England, and a secret passage thought to be used by smuggling gangs.

Don't miss: Explore the town and will you find the remains of a castle which inspired novellist H.G. Wells?

Spend a weekend in Petworth immersing yourself in this picturesque town. Think fabulous independent stores brimming with things you won't see on every high street, a veritable treasure trove of antique dealers where you can find unique and quirky gifts or collectables, and fabulous places to sit and sip coffee, enjoy a light bite, or savour fine dining. Add in art galleries and one of West Sussex's most renowned food stores and your weekend is made.