Easter events in West Sussex

Easter falls on Sunday 5 April 2026, with events and activities taking place throughout the Easter holidays across the Chichester District.

Chichester District offers a brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor activities. You’ll find parks, walks, museums, theatre performances and countryside adventures across the South Downs and along the coast.

 

Discover family friendly Easter activities

From cosy countryside cottages and coastal hotels to family friendly campsites and boutique B&Bs, there are plenty of accommodation options for family and for multigenerational stays.

Discover Marvellous Multi Generational Holidays

 Sussex is very welcoming to four‑legged visitors and has a great range of dog‑friendly accommodation options for visitors with pets:

• The Goodwood Hotel – Offers dog‑friendly rooms with special packages that can include luxury dog beds, treats, walking maps, and even extras such as dog playdates or doga (yoga with your dog). 
• The Spread Eagle Hotel in Midhurst – In the heart of the South Downs National Park, with a “Muddy Paws” package including a doggie welcome kit and cosy bedding. 
• The Swan Inn, Midhurst – Historic and dog‑friendly with comfortable rooms and countryside walks right on the doorstep. 
• The Angel Inn in Petworth – Welcomes dogs with dedicated dog‑friendly bedrooms and access to great local walks such as Shimmings Valley or Petworth House & Park.
• Tinwood Estate Vineyard Lodges (near Goodwood) – Luxury lodges set in a vineyard with scenic countryside walks and plenty of outdoor space for dogs.
• Seal Bay Holiday Resort, Selsey – A more budget‑friendly seaside option offering dog‑friendly accommodation, dining and nearby dog‑friendly beaches.

These options range from luxury packages to relaxed coastal stays, making it easy to plan a Sussex break that both you and your dog will enjoy.

 

Read More About Dog Friendly Stays

Yes! More and more visitors who may be visiting the city as part of a walking tour or even on pilgrimage come with dogs, and Chichester Cathedral's dog friendly policy means your four legged friend can join you as you explore 900 years of history under the iconic Cathedral spire.

Dog treats and water bowls will be located around the Cathedral and grounds.

Entry to Chichester Cathedral is free, and they do not charge formally for admission to the building. However, as an independent charity, they strongly encourage a voluntary donation of £7 per person to help with maintenance costs.

• Cost: Free to enter (voluntary donations encouraged).
• Suggested Donation: £7.00 per person.
• Opening Times: Generally Monday–Saturday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) and Sunday (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm).
• Guided Tours: While entry is free, guided tours are available, often for a fee (e.g., £5.00 per person).
• Group Visits: Groups of 6 or more should pre-book their visit.

The cathedral is open to all for daily services, prayer, and exploration. 

Yes! Chichester Festival Theatre is right next to the city centre — about a 5–10 minute walk from the main shopping streets, Cathedral and bus/train stations. The route is mostly level and easy to walk, making it perfect for visitors arriving on foot after exploring the city.

Chichester Festival Theatre itself doesn’t have its public own car park, but Northgate Car Park (a Council run pay and display car park) is located next to the theatre, and within easy walking distance.

Alternative city centre car parking includes:

• Avenue de Chartres Car Park – Large multi-storey just a few minutes’ walk.
• Cattle Market Car Park – Close and convenient for shows and dining.
• Little London Car Park – Handy for city centre and theatre access.
• Northgate Car Park – A bit bigger, still within easy walking distance.

These council-run car parks are all about 5–10 minutes’ walk from the theatre entrance. On busy show nights it’s worth arriving early to secure a space.

Yes! General admission to The Novium Museum in Chichester city centre is free of charge, with voluntary donations welcomed at the entrance to help support the museum’s work. Occasionally, temporary or touring exhibitions on the upper floors may have a small entry fee, but the main galleries and displays are free to enjoy. 

Yes, there is an admission charge to see the main exhibitions and permanent collection at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, with concession rates (including reduced prices for students and Art Fund members). Under‑18s and some concession groups (such as jobseekers, DLA, carers and similar) can enter for free or at reduced cost. 

Free options at Pallant House Gallery: Ground‑floor displays, the Print Room, Book shop and outdoor courtyard garden are free to visit for everyone.

Yes! Petworth House is very close to the centre of Petworth town. It’s about a 5–10 minute walk along pretty, level streets, making it easy to combine a visit with local shops, cafés, and pubs.

The house sits at the top of the town, so you’ll get lovely views over the South Downs as you walk towards it. There is also on-site parking if you prefer to drive, and public transport links connect Petworth with nearby towns like Chichester and Midhurst.

Here are some great places to hire a bicycle near Chichester and in the South Downs area — perfect for exploring countryside lanes, coastal paths and scenic trails.

• Southern E Bike rentals – E‑bike hire near Chichester (West Ashling), ideal for longer rides or tackling hills with ease. 

• App-Bike – Bike share style hire around Chichester, handy for short rides and spontaneous exploring. 

• Riverside South Downs Bike Hire – Bike and e‑bike hire near Amberley, great for longer South Downs rides and mapped routes right from the shop. 

Midhurst and the surrounding South Downs countryside have drawn notable residents including:
    • H.G. Wells – The author of The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine lived in Midhurst during part of his childhood.
    • Boris Johnson – Former UK Prime Minister attended nearby Seaford College (close to Midhurst).
    • Various members of the Cowdray family – The Pearson family, owners of Cowdray Park, have long been associated with the area and its polo and sporting heritage.

Midhurst’s connection to literature, education and sport reflects its long standing place in the cultural landscape of West Sussex.

Petworth has long attracted artists, aristocracy and creatives, including:
    • J.M.W. Turner – The celebrated landscape painter was a frequent visitor to Petworth House and created many works inspired by its grounds and the South Downs.
    • William Blake – Also spent time in the Petworth area.
    • The Percy family (Dukes of Northumberland) – Historic owners of Petworth House, one of England’s grandest stately homes.
    • Eric Coates – The composer of the Dam Busters March lived in the area.

Petworth’s artistic heritage continues today through Petworth House, its art collection and the town’s thriving antiques and gallery scene.

Chichester has been home to artists, writers and notable public figures over the years, including:
    • William Blake – The visionary poet and artist lived in Chichester for a period in the early 1800s.
    • John Keats – The Romantic poet stayed in the city while working on Endymion.
    • Sir Patrick Moore – The astronomer and broadcaster lived nearby in Selsey, West Sussex and had strong links to the area.
    • Kate Mosse – The bestselling author and founder of the Women’s Prize for Fiction was born and raised in Chichester.
    • Sir Tim Rice – The award-winning lyricist has lived in the Chichester area.

The city’s creative energy is reflected today in Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery and its vibrant cultural scene.

No, unfortunately there is no park and ride service available in Chichester.

Chichester City centre uses the MiPermit app. This can be downloaded direct to your mobile phone. Alternatively parking machines take card payments and cash.

Chichester city centre car parks such as Avenue de Chartres Multi Storey and Westgate Leisure Centre Car Park provide designated Blue Badge bays and are within a short, level walk of the Chichester City Centre.

From Portsmouth

Train

• Frequent direct trains run from Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour stations to Chichester (Southern Rail services).

• Journey time is typically around 30–35 minutes. 

Bus

• The Stagecoach Coastliner 700 bus links Portsmouth with Chichester (continuing to Bognor Regis and Brighton). There is bus station next to the Chichester Canal Basin and bus stops in the City centre. It’s a scenic coastal ride and runs regularly, but is slower than the train, but often less expensive.

 

From Brighton

Train

• You can take a direct Southern Railway train from Brighton to Chichester via the West Coastway line (typically with 1–2 trains per hour). 

• Journey time is usually about 1 hour 10 mins to 1 hr 30 mins, depending on the service and stops. (Exact times vary; check National Rail or Trainline.)

Bus

• You can use Stagecoach Coastliner 700 along the south coast (Brighton → Worthing → Littlehampton → Chichester → Portsmouth). It’s a scenic but slower way to travel if you prefer a bus, but it is more affordable.

 

From London

Train

• Regular trains run from London Victoria (operated by Southern) to Chichester.

• Typical journey times are around 1 hour 30 mins to 1 hour 40 mins from central London.

Coach

• National Express coaches operate from London Victoria Coach Station to various South Coast destinations (including Chichester area). Times vary longer than trains but can be cheaper, especially if booked in advance. 

Chichester’s train and main bus stops are a short walk from the city centre and Easter event spots, so once you arrive in town it’s easy to explore on foot.

There is a small amount of limited free parking at the Chichester Canal Basin next to the Canal Centre (PO19 8DT). This is primarily for visitors using canal facilities and spaces can fill quickly, especially during weekends and school holidays.

The nearest larger car parks are:

• Chichester Gate Car Park on-site at the leisure and retail park (PO19 8EL). Parking here is free for up to 3 hours. – Around a 3 mins walk to the Canal Basin.

• Westgate Leisure Centre Car Park (PO19 1RJ) – Around a 10-minute walk to the Canal Basin and offers a large number of spaces.

• Avenue de Chartres Multi-Storey Car Park (PO19 8EH) – Around a 7-minute walk and centrally located near the city centre.

• Basin Road Car Park – Another nearby option within easy walking distance.

There is also limited on-street parking around Canal Wharf, usually restricted to short stays.

The Canal Basin is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Chichester’s bus and railway stations, making public transport another easy way to visit.

Blue Badge holders can use designated accessible bays at the Canal Basin car park, subject to availability. Additional Blue Badge parking is available at nearby Chichester District Council car parks including:

• Avenue de Chartres Multi Storey

• Northgate Car Park

• Westgate Leisure Centre Car Park

Chichester city centre also offers some on street Blue Badge bays. Please check local signage for time limits and conditions.

Yes! Chichester ShopMobility offers mobility scooter hire in Chichester, perfect for visitors who want a little help exploring the city centre during your visit. It’s part of the ShopMobility UK network, designed to help people with mobility needs get around shops, cafés, attractions and more.  
 
What ShopMobility in Chichester Offers
• You can hire powered mobility scooters to use around the city centre.  
• 3 hour and 6 hour hires are available — ideal for shopping or sightseeing.  
• The service runs Monday to Friday 9 am 4 pm from The Council House on North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LQ.  
• You usually don’t need to pre book, but booking ahead is recommended, especially at busy times like school holidays.  

How Much It Costs
• Typical costs are about £5 for 3 hours and £10 for 6 hours for a mobility scooter.  
• You’ll need to provide some identification when you hire — usually photo ID and a recent address verification.  
• The scooters are generally for use within the city centre’s shopping area so you can easily get around streets, cafés and shops.  

Where to Collect the Scooter
Scooters are collected from The Council House on North Street in Chichester city centre. This location is very close to shops, cafés and bus/train links, making it easy to start exploring right away.  
 

Click here to go direct to the external Shopmobility page

Chichester Cathedral does not have its own on‑site car park, so visitors usually park in one of the nearby city centre car parks and walk a few minutes to the Cathedral. 

Popular Parking Options (all a short walk from the Cathedral)

• Avenue De Chartres Car Park – A highly rated, central multi‑storey car park within easy walking distance.
• Cattle Market Car Park – Spacious and close to the centre, good for a visit followed by shopping or cafés.
• Little London Car Park – Another council car park handy for the Cathedral and city centre.
• St.Cyriacs Car Park – Central option with decent walking access.
• Northgate Car Park, Chichester – Slightly larger site a bit further out, but still an easy stroll in.
• Basin Road Car Park, Market avenue car park, St John’s Car Park and South Pallant Car Park – Other good council options nearby.

Most of these are 5–10 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral, and you can also reach the Cathedral easily on foot from the train station in about 10 minutes.

Accessible / Blue Badge Parking - There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street, which Blue Badge holders can use free of charge (displaying a valid badge)

Selsey does not have a train station, so bus is the main option.

• By train + bus: Travel to Chichester Station, then take the Stagecoach 51 bus directly to Selsey. The journey takes around 35–45 minutes.

• From London: Train to Chichester (around 1 hour 40 minutes from London Victoria), then connect to the bus.

The bus stops close to Selsey High Street and within walking distance of the seafront.

Emsworth is one of the easiest coastal spots to reach by rail.

• By train: Emsworth Station sits on the main coastal line between Chichester and Portsmouth, with direct trains from Brighton, Portsmouth and connections to London via Havant or Chichester.

• By bus: Local bus services run between Emsworth, Chichester and Havant.

• Walking distance: The station is just a short walk from the harbour and town centre.

It’s a simple, scenic journey along the south coast line.

Midhurst does not have a railway station, but it is well connected by bus.

• By train: Travel to Haslemere Station (around 15–20 minutes by taxi or bus to Midhurst) or Chichester Station (around 45 minutes by bus).

• By bus: Regular services connect Midhurst with Chichester, Haslemere and Petworth.

• From London: Take a train to Haslemere, then a short bus or taxi to Midhurst.

Midhurst town centre is small and walkable, with Cowdray ruins and the South Downs countryside close by.

Petworth does not have a train station, but it’s easy to reach by combining rail and bus.

• By train: Travel to Pulborough Station (around 20 minutes by taxi) or Haslemere Station (around 25 minutes by taxi). Both have direct services from London.

• By bus: Local bus services connect Petworth with Chichester, Midhurst and Pulborough. From Chichester, buses typically take around 45–60 minutes depending on the route.

• Top tip: Check Stagecoach South or Compass Bus for current timetables before travelling.

Petworth is compact and easy to explore on foot once you arrive.