West Sussex is bursting with family friendly adventures waiting to be discovered. Whether you're planning fun days out at the weekend or for the school holidays, this beautiful corner of England has something to suit every age and interest.
From the historic streets of Arundel, West Sussex, where Arundel Castle brings over a thousand years of history to life, the stunning coastline of to Selsey Beach and the golden sands of East Wittering and West Wittering, family days out here are anything but ordinary. Explore world-class family attractions in Chichester, West Sussex, including museums, galleries, watersports and open green spaces, or head to the pretty harbour villages of Bosham, West Sussex, for sailing, paddleboarding and boat trips on the water.
Inland, the South Downs National Park offers endless opportunities for little ones to run free, while wildlife havens, adventure playgrounds and living history museums keep curious minds engaged all year round.
Whatever the season, West Sussex, UK, delivers unforgettable experiences for families; so start exploring and make some memories that will last a lifetime!
Family attractions in Chichester
Packed full of family-friendly activities and things to experience, Chichester is a perfect location for school holidays or weekend breaks. Discover modern art to inspire little minds, bring history to life at the Novium museum or in Chichester Cathedral, enjoy some outstanding theatre at Chichester Festival Theatre, or let off some steam with bowling, bouncing, watersports, cycling or walking, and in our beautiful parks and green spaces. Uncover local wildlife on a canal experience and refuel at our range of welcoming cafés and restaurants. Check out our ultimate guide to entertaining children in Chichester here.
Don't Miss: A Boat Trip on Chichester Canal. For a truly memorable family moment in Chichester, West Sussex, hop aboard a canal boat trip on the historic Chichester Ship Canal. The canal runs for 4 miles from the Southgate Basin right in the heart of the city out to Chichester Harbour, making for a wonderfully scenic and relaxed adventure. Along the way families can spot kingfishers, herons and swans, and the canal-side café serves up homemade food and drinks at the Basin. Scheduled return boat trips run up to four times daily depending on the time of year. Find it at Canal Wharf, Basin Road, Chichester, PO19 8DT
Family attractions in Midhurst and the South Downs
Midhurst’s location at the centre of the South Downs National Park offers endless opportunities for children to burn off energy on foot or by bike. Discover interactive sculpture trails, imposing ruins and get closer to nature. A short drive away, meet a friendly deer herd before diving into an adventure playground at Sky Park Farm or peek into dramatic Cowdray Ruins (one of England's most important early Tudor houses, known to have been visited by both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I), and don’t forget to check out what could be the world’s smallest museum in the centre of Midhurst.
Explore the Midhurst Heritage Trail. Approximately 3km and a leisurely 1 hour walk around the town, where you will discover castles, ruins, beautiful architecture and even a hidden Knights of the Hospitalier door!
Don't Miss: Weald & Downland Living Museum. Just a short drive from Midhurst in the heart of the South Downs National Park, the Weald & Downland Living Museum is one of West Sussex's most-loved family days out. This expansive open-air site showcases an array of meticulously restored buildings ranging from Saxon to modern times, set within stunning rural surroundings. Kids will love exploring the historic buildings, meeting the farm animals, and engaging with hands-on activities, while the open space is perfect for burning off energy while learning about rural life. During school holidays the museum throws itself into themed family adventures, from mysterious Saxon riddles and ancient crafts to thrilling storytelling and archaeological discovery, there is something to spark every imagination. Advance booking is recommended during busy periods, as this one gets very popular, very quickly. Museum opens daily 10am - 5pm.
Things to do for families in Selsey
If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions and things to do in West Sussex, then look no further than Selsey. Home to great beaches, Selsey Bill and Selsey Lifeboat Station, plus of course the limitless fun on offer at Seal Bay Resort, there’s plenty to entertain children (and adults!) of all ages. Why not make a week of it? There’s plenty to do! Explore the Seal Trail or make the most of endless outdoor space at RSPB Pagham Harbour - collect information at the visitor centre to help you make the most of your visit, and see if the wildlife cameras are in action, observing some of the resident wildlife.
Don't Miss: The Selsey Seal Art Trail. Selsey's free walking Seal Art Trail is a wonderful free way to explore the town on foot, following colourfully decorated seal sculptures designed by local art students, each one unlocking fascinating stories about this charming coastal town via QR code.
Family days out in Petworth
Situated amongst beautiful Sussex countryside, Petworth offers boundless places for families to get outside, run and explore and places where the past is conjured into life. Petworth House and Park is a must-visit, with the wide-open spaces of parkland and ancient trees making a perfect playground – will you spot the herd of deer that live in the park? During school holidays the National Trust often run children's activities, which run in the Pleasure Grounds beside Petworth House. Explore the winding lanes of Petworth town itself and see what treasures can be found in the welcoming cafes.
Don't Miss: Hungry Guest Brownies! No visit to Petworth is complete without trying the famous homemade brownies at the Hungry Guest Café, tucked away in the beautiful walled garden of Newlands House Gallery. It's a wonderfully calm spot for families to refuel after exploring the town, with indoor and outdoor seating and a menu packed with seasonal, locally sourced food. The award-winning brownies are also available to take home from the Hungry Guest Food Shop in Petworth town centre. The café is open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. The food shop is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
East Wittering & West Wittering for families
It’s no surprise that families have flocked to The Witterings for generations. Home to one of the South Coast's most beautiful sandy beaches and a host of fun water sports to enjoy for all ages, there really is something for everyone. But it’s not just the summer months that offer entertainment for all the family. Visit off peak to experience life in The Witterings without the crowds, stunning views and unspoilt coastline as far as the eye can see.
Don't Miss: West Wittering Beach. West Wittering Beach is one of those places that earns its reputation every single time. The wide, sandy shoreline is perfect for building sandcastles, paddling and swimming, with lifeguard cover in place throughout the summer months for added peace of mind. Just a short stroll from the beach, the village crabbing pool is a brilliantly simple pleasure that children find completely irresistible, requiring nothing more than a line, a bucket and a healthy sense of anticipation. The beach car park (postcode PO20 8AJ) is open year round. Summer hours are 6:30am to 8:30pm, winter hours 7am to 6pm. Booking your parking online in advance is essential between April and October, as it fills up fast on sunny days.
Family exploring at Chichester Harbour
The pretty villages of Bosham, Fishbourne, and Itchenor, situated on the edge of Chichester Harbour, make the perfect base from which to enjoy sailing and other water sports like canoeing or SUP, as well as exploring the city of Chichester and the beaches of East and West Wittering. Nearby Cobnor Activities Centre offers courses and holiday activities for children aged 8-17. Why not try a boat trip aboard Solar Heritage - a near silent catamaran which operates from Itchenor.
Don't Miss: The Itchenor Ferry and Bosham Village. For a family moment that feels genuinely special, climb aboard the tiny Itchenor Ferry for the short hop across the water to the picture-perfect village of Bosham. No booking is needed and the whole experience has a wonderfully old-fashioned charm that makes it feel like a proper adventure. Once across, the harbourside village of Bosham rewards exploration at every turn, from its historic streets and quayside walks to brilliant wildlife spotting along the shoreline. The ferry runs daily from May to September, 9am to 6pm, and at weekends only the rest of the year. Tickets are for single/each way trips and cost £3.50 for adults, children £1 and bikes are 50p each.
Historical family adventures in Arundel
For a day out which lifts history off the page, bring the family to Arundel. This historic town is home to the magnificent Arundel Castle where you’ll be immersed in over 1000 years of history and the Arundel Museum which tells the story of the town from Roman times to today. Explore Arundel Wetlands to witness 30 species of wildfowl from around the world – catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, meet the pelicans and enjoy a boat safari.
Don't Miss: Rowing on Swanbourne Lake. Just a short walk from the bustle of Arundel town centre sits one of West Sussex's best kept family secrets. Swanbourne Lake is a beautiful, peaceful spot where children can hand-feed the ducks and swans from the water's edge, hire a rowing boat and drift across the glassy water with Arundel Castle towering dramatically in the background. It is the kind of simple, unhurried pleasure that stays with you long after the day is done. The cosy Swanbourne Lodge Tearoom serves homemade food and ice cream right on the lakeside. Boats are available at weekends from early March to late October, and daily throughout school holidays. Find it on Mill Road, Arundel, BN18 9PA.
