Visit West Sussex
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.
Discover Chichester
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…
South Downs National Park
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.
West Wittering Beach
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
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.
Arundel Castle
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.
Summer exploring in West Sussex
Father's Day
Celebrate in Sussex style
Gorgeous Pub Gardens
Relax in stunning surroundings, with a local tipple or two
Walking in West Sussex
Walking routes for everyone to enjoy
Great West Sussex Pubs with Walks
That classic combination for experiencing the best of West Sussex
What's On in West Sussex
View All45 Years
If she hadn't died, if you had got to Italy – would you have married her for real? Buried for…
Atonement
I'll wait for you. Come back. Come back to me. On an English country estate during the blazing…
Bloody, Brilliant Tudors: A Talk by Elizabeth Goff
Step into the ever-intriguing, scandalous and dangerous world of the Tudors with author Elizabeth…
British Landscapes: A Sense of Place
British Landscapes: A sense of place This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life…
Chichester District Farmers' Market
All stallholders at the Chichester Farmers' Market are required to grow, rear, bake, and/or preserve…
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee will be at The Novium Museum from Saturday 18…
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff This summer, discover a striking…
Festival of Chichester
This summer a huge range of events will come together in Chichester under the Festival of Chichester…
Garden Sculpture Trail with FiveTwo Designs Ltd
FiveTwo Designs Ltd display contemporary garden sculpture created by British artists and designers…
Glowing + Alive Exhibition | Chichester Cathedral
Glowing + Alive Exhibition In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring…
Goodwood Art Foundation Summer Programme
2 May – 1 November The Foundation's Summer programme opens 2 May and unfolds through earthworks…
Haroun Hayward: Path Through Trees
This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo institutional show. Hayward will…
I Spy Trail | Chichester Cathedral
Explore Chichester Cathedral with Wilfrid’s Trail Designed with all ages in mind, this…
Lunchtime Concerts at Chichester Cathedral
Each Tuesday at 1.10pm (apart from during school holidays) the Cathedral hosts a lunchtime concert…
Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature
Dr Loucia Manopoulou, Director, Newlands House Gallery, says: "Delighted to be working with…
Say It With Flowers
Oxmarket are delighted to welcome back Sheryl Pape for a second year with her Open Call Exhibition…
Special Harbour Discovery boat trip on Solar Heritage -ISC Keelboat racing week
Experience the action of Itchenor Sailing Club's historic keelboat week from the water on a trip…
Sunset Dining | 24 Goodwood Art Foundation
Join us after hours for sunset drinks and dining at 24. As the light softens across the landscape…
Three Friday Nights | Goodwood
Three Friday Nights 2026 – Goodwood Racecourse Three Friday Nights at Goodwood offers the…
Wests Wood Fair
West's Wood Fair is an event featuring the many interesting ways in which wood is used. In the…
Backstage Tours at Chichester Festival Theatre
Some of the most famous faces in theatre, from Imelda Staunton to Omid Djalili, and to Penelope…
Chichester Cheese & Chilli Festival
Get ready for a weekend of flavour, fire, and family fun at the 2026 Chichester Cheese & Chilli…
Evening Harbour Discovery boat trip on Solar Heritage
Join us at this special time of day for a memorable evening boat trip on our eco-friendly…
Meet the Ancestors
Meet the ancestors from the Stone Age through to the Georgians, learn how they lived and fought with…
Merlynda's Heavenly Love Poetry Exhibitions
Visitors are invited to explore regular weekend exhibitions of enchanting illustrated poetry inside…
Don't miss...
Restaurants in Chichester
Great places to eat in Chichester
Gorgeous Pub Gardens
Relax in stunning surroundings, with a local tipple or two
Things to Do in West Sussex
Explore our Towns, Villages and Coast
Image: Joanna Kaczorowska