Nestled between the rolling South Downs and the sparkling Sussex coast, the Chichester area of West Sussex is a playground for anyone who loves outdoor adventures - helped along by being one of the UK's sunniest spots. From long‑distance hikes and scenic cycling routes to water sports, sauna sessions and family‑friendly fun, this is where West Sussex reveals its wild, energetic side. Whether you’re seeking active days out, peaceful nature escapes or unforgettable sporting moments, you’ll find endless ways to get outside and feel part of this extraordinary landscape.
Outdoor adventure activities for families
Delve into adventures on the water with a family kayak or SUP session for unforgettable fun. There's guided local tuition and hire available offering trips around Chichester Harbour or on Chichester Canal, ideal for an introduction to these watersports. Cobnor Activities Centre located on the shores of Chichester Harbour offers a huge variety of watersports and activities for children, from sailing tuition to kayaking - ideal for school holidays.
Watersports on the West Sussex coast
Adrenaline junkies and watersports enthuasists make a beeline for the beaches at West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey. For beginners and the experienced alike, you’ll find plenty of options for equipment hire and expert tuition helpful in getting you out into the waves whether you’re surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, SUP or even wing foiling.
Sailing in West Sussex
Chichester Harbour is a hive of sailing activity. The area is well known as a sailing destination, largely thanks to the sheltered waters of the harbour which make it perfect for day sailing and racing, and also sailing tuition, whether learning the basics or honing your skills. Bosham Sailing Club, Itchenor Sailing Club and Cobnor Activities Centre offer a wide range of sailing courses for adults and children with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited instructors.
In August, thousands of boats take to the water as part of Chichester Harbour Race Week, organised by the Chichester Harbour Federation. Chichester Harbour is one of the busiest locations for dinghy and keelboat racing in the UK, and Race Week is so well attended it’s one of the most popular open regattas in the country. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the harbour and see if you can spot Olympic Sailors in action.
For a more laid-back experience, join a skippered sail around the harbour and beyond as you relax on board. A great day out to celebration an occasion.
Wildlife Watching and Nature Experiences
West Sussex offers great opportunities to experience the wildlife that makes its home here. Chichester Harbour - a National Landscape - is one of the most important sites for nature in the south of England. The variety of habitats, particularly mudflats and saltmarshes, provide important feeding and nesting grounds for thousands of migratory birds each year. The Harbour is also home to a wealth of marine life and a colony of seals. You can learn more on a guided harbour tour aboard Solar Heritage, run by Chichester Harbour Conservancy - regular tours offer you bird watching, nature discovery and a seal safari. Along the coast at Selsey, RSPB Pagham Harbour and RSPB Medmerry are nature reserves packed with wildlife, some of which you can see on a walk, or join one of the guided events here, along with family friendly sessions which run during school holidays.
Padel in West Sussex
Play friends or family at Padel - whether you're new to this exciting and rapidly growing sport or already a Padel fanatic. There's a variety of Padel experiences to choose from - Padel courts in hidden barns in rural Sussex near Emsworth and close to Goodwood (where you can even enjoy UV Padel with your choice of tunes on the bluetooth speaker), in Chichester or at The Shed, Chidham.
Golf Courses in West Sussex
Pack the golf clubs for a range of golf courses in West Sussex. Challenge yourself on a championship course with a view at Goodwood Estate. The Downs course is one of the oldest golf courses in Sussex while the recently added (2024) Copse short course is a 6-hole perfect for a short round with friends or family. At Cowdray Estate in Midhurst you'll find a par-70, 6,331-yard course offers 18 holes plus putting green and driving range. Chichester Golf Club boasts the Cathedral and Tower 18-hole courses, some of the holes on which are known to be particularly challenging. Tackle the 9-hole links-style course with dual tee positions for an 18-hole game at Selsey Golf Club, where there are tough par-4s to challenge yourself with.
Outdoor Fitness and Wellness
If you're yet to join the increasing number of people discovering the varied health benefits of a sauna - noted to help improve immunity and heart health and reduce stress among other health indicators - you couldn't find a better location than a sauna on the West Sussex coast. Rewild Sauna sits on the beachfront at Bracklesham Bay offering beautiful sea views as you relax in the wood-fired sauna - perfectly placed for a post-sauna swim! Sauna Spirit can be found popping up in Selsey while The Sauna Hut is located in rural countryside just outside Chichester. Park Run devotee? Join the weekly Park Run sessions in Oaklands Park, Chichester, followed by coffee at Cafe on the Park at Chichester Festival Theatre. You can also explore some of West Sussex's popular running routes here.
Walking & Cycling
With The South Downs Way crossing West Sussex, it's no surprise the county is hugely popular with walkers and hikers looking for a variety of routes in this spectacular setting. The King Charles III England Coast Path winds along the entire coast, offering endless walking opportunities and connecting locations like Selsey, West Wittering and Chichester Harbour allowing you to explore further. Further popular walks include the Kingley Vale Trail, the Windmill Trail to the Halnaker Windmill and the Chichester Harbour Circular taking in Six Harbour Villages. You can explore more walks here. Cycling routes range from challenging off road trails to easier routes like Centurion Way with terrain that's accessible to all types of bike and all abilities. Maybe you'll choose a guided cycle ride with local experts - a great way to explore for novice cyclists or those looking for tips to improve. E-Bike and bike hire is on hand here with several bases near Chichester and operators offering delivery to you.
Horse Riding and Equestrian experiences
Explore unforgettable horse riding experiences - whether that's riding along the sandy shores of West Wittering beach or a leisurely hack through South Downs Countryside. Deborah Basley Horse Riding is located within metres of West Wittering beach, while Willowbrook and Westerlands sit surrounded by glorious West Sussex scenery. Those looking to hone or refresh riding skills will find Lavant Equestrian perfectly located just outside Chichester.
