Walking in West Sussex
Walking routes for everyone to enjoy
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Your official guide to visiting West Sussex. From the unspoilt Sussex coastline and award-winning beaches to historic market towns, cultural attractions, heritage sites and family days out, West Sussex awaits. Exploring miles of walking on scenic footpaths and epic cycle routes across the South Downs, uncover world-class events and festivals, and enjoy outstanding places to eat and drink showcasing Sussex produce. Whether you’re planning a short break, countryside escape or coastal holiday in West Sussex, you’ll find unforgettable experiences and a warm Sussex welcome at every turn.
Come and explore Chichester, the vibrant cathedral city and county capital of West Sussex. Immerse yourself in rich history with impressive Roman ruins and outstanding culture or explore the stunning countryside and rolling South Downs. Enjoy endless walking and cycling opportunities, incredible events and adventures at Goodwood, charming towns and villages like Midhurst and Petworth, and the sparkling Sussex coast, home to beautiful beaches like West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey.
Just over an hour from London and just under an hour from London Gatwick Airport, our stunning, sunny corner of Sussex is closer than you think!
The Great Sussex Way is here to help you find GREAT things to do in Chichester and the the surrounding area, read on for more ideas…
The South Downs National Park is one of the top West Sussex attractions encompassing majestic rolling hills, heathland, rivers, and more woodland that any other national park in England or Wales – including some of the most ancient forests in the country - making it a perfect playground for those who love the outdoors, whether that’s on two feet or on a bike. As well as epic walking trails including The South Downs Way, here you’ll find important habitats for wildlife, including rare species like the Adonis and Chalkhill Blue Butterflies.
One of the South Coast’s best loved beaches, once you’ve experienced the golden sands of West Wittering beach between your toes it’s easy to see why. Long stretches of soft sand and shallow water make it perfect for families, while also offering an abundance of opportunities for adrenaline seekers to enjoy the waves. Often extremely busy in summer (we recommend booking parking to avoid disappointment), quieter spots can be found at neighbouring East Wittering or a little further along the coast at Selsey.
Goodwood is synonymous with incredible events like the Festival of Speed, the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the Goodwood Revival. This English estate draws visitors from across the globe and is home to a stylish Hotel and Spa, unforgettable dining experiences, golf courses, and the opportunity for high-energy adventures in the air, on the Motor Circuit and more.
Just ten miles from Chichester, discover almost a thousand years of history at Arundel Castle. A captivating day out with a huge amount original features to explore including the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and the 14th Century Catholic Fitzalan Chapel, there's a huge amount to see, plus action-packed events and the annual floral celebrations each spring as the Tulip Festival and Allium Extravaganza surround the castle with vivid swathes of colour.
Walking routes for everyone to enjoy
Leafy walks to foraging, explore the best of this beautiful season
That classic combination for experiencing the best of West Sussex
British Landscapes: A sense of place This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life…
The exhibition displays Chichester's civic history, including mayoral events, royal occasions…
Follow your curiosity and try something new. There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up…
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff This summer, discover a striking…
Glowing + Alive Exhibition In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring…
2 May – 1 November The Foundation's Summer programme opens 2 May and unfolds through earthworks…
This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo institutional show. Hayward will…
Explore Chichester Cathedral with Wilfrid’s Trail Designed with all ages in mind, this…
Each Tuesday at 1.10pm (apart from during school holidays) the Cathedral hosts a lunchtime concert…
Margaret Jones and Jane Brunning are West Sussex-based tapestry weavers whose work explores the…
Explore our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place with one of our guides and let…
Award-winning immersive theatre company Torchlight Mysteries presents Agatha Christie's And Then…
Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink…
Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces…
The Old Vicarage Washington garden open in aid of National Garden Scheme charities A truly…
Adam and Tom will reflect on a remarkable creative journey: a shared return to the revolutionary…
In September we'll be joined by artist Tom Hammick and writer Adam Nicolson to explore the story…
Join us in the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer…
Get ready for a night of top-tier stand-up as Chi-Jester! returns to Fernleigh with an outstanding…
All stallholders at the Chichester Farmers' Market are required to grow, rear, bake, and/or preserve…
One of the Goodwood Estate’s most famous events, the Goodwood Revival draws in crowds from…
A new market showcasing gorgeous handmade local Arts and Crafts. Free entry, free tea and coffee.
Join us for an art-filled day of discovery and creativity – all completely FREE! We're throwing…
Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of…
Great places to eat in Chichester
Relax in stunning surroundings, with a local tipple or two
Image: Joanna Kaczorowska