Looking for fun, family-friendly things to do this October half term in West Sussex? Look no further - here's our guide to the best ways to make this half term memorable. Come and discover a fantastic range of family friendly activities and experiences including pumpkin picking, spooky trails and family days out.
Half term in West Sussex offers everything from budget friendly outdoor adventures to hands on museum explorations, family walks, cycling, activity trails and challenges to keep children engaged - there’s something to keep the whole family entertained, whatever the weather. When the weather turns wet, you'll find indoor fun at Tenpin, Chichester Adventure Golf, Little Street and Flip Out.
Half Term Halloween Fun in Chichester & West Sussex
Looking for inspiration for the October half term school holidays? Chichester and the surrounding areas of West Sussex offer a fantastic mix of family-friendly halloween events, attractions and days out, perfect for making the most of the school holidays.
A captivating Light Experience returns to Chichester Cathedral - don't miss this spellbinding art installation combining immersive sound and monumental projects which transform the Cathedral's ancient interior once dusk arrives. Don't miss 'Illuminating Art' this half term.
Make October half term one to remember with unforgettable experiences across Chichester and West Sussex - you can see our pick of the October half term events here
Plan a half term break
With so much to do, why not extend your adventures in West Sussex? The Goodwood Hotel is offering fabulous family activities for children from toddlers right through to teens - from forest adventures and racing simulators to junior driving experiences. Find out more here. If you'd like something a little different for your half term escape, our pick of Unsual Places to Stay will offer inspiration.
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.
Can I park at Chichester Festival Theatre?
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.
Is Chichester Festival Theatre within walking distance of the city centre?
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.
Where is the best place to park when visiting Chichester Cathedral?
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)
Is Chichester Cathedral free to enter?
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.
Is Chichester Cathedral Dog Friendly?
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.
Is there ShopMobility in Chichester? How much is it and where do I collect the mobility scooters from?
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.
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.
Do you have to pay to enter the Pallant House Gallery
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.
Where can I hire a bicycle near Chichester?
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.
Which car parking app can I use in Chichester to pay and manage my parking?
Chichester City centre uses the MiPermit app. This can be downloaded direct to your mobile phone. Alternatively parking machines take card payments and cash.
Is the train station or bus station close to Chichester city centre?
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.
Does Chichester, West Sussex, have a park and ride?
No, unfortunately there is no park and ride service available in Chichester.
Where is the best parking for Chichester Canal Basin?
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.
Where can Blue Badge holders park near Chichester Canal?
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.
Is there accessible parking in Chichester?
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.
