The Great Sussex Way
Discover West Sussex at its finest. The Great Sussex Way is 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. Walk miles of scenic footpaths and explore 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 the Chichester District in West Sussex
Discover 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.
Spring exploring in West Sussex
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
The Sussex Tree Trail
Follow this trail to see our most awesome trees
What's On in West Sussex
View AllElmer 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…
Glowing + Alive Exhibition | Chichester Cathedral
Glowing + Alive Exhibition In 1966, Chichester Cathedral unveiled one of Britain's most daring…
Gozzle
March 20-May 31 Included in your admission price, book in advance and save 10% This spring, WWT…
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…
Magic
'Exclude the impossible and what is left, however improbable, must be the truth.' Harry…
Robyn Jacobs - Expedition
xmarket are delighted to welcome Robyn Jacobs - 'Expedition' to the John Rank gallery for a…
Where The Art Is
Oxmarket are delighted to welcome the art group Where The Art Is in our Wilson Gallery. The artists…
William Nicholson
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic…
The National Garden Scheme: The stunning gardens at Fittleworth House
Fittleworth House was built around 1720 from locally quarried stone as a home for the squire of the…
Themes in Poetry - Family
Meg is passionate about poetry. But many of us still think of it as being "difficult". Let…
National Garden Scheme: The Old Vicarage Washington Open Garden
The Old Vicarage Washington garden open in aid of National Garden Scheme charities A truly…
The Stopham Mount and Other Archaeological Finds – an evening talk with Jane Clark, Finds Liaison Officer for Sussex
Join Jane Clark, Finds Liaison Officer for Sussex, for an evening talk exploring recent…
Chichester District Farmers' Market
All stallholders at the Chichester Farmers' Market are required to grow, rear, bake, and/or preserve…
ROSA Botanical Art Fair | West Dean
Curated by Arts + Culture Magazine ROSA, this new art fair presents a selection of prestigious…
Children's Marine Ecology Club
Living in the UK we are surrounded by the sea which contains some beautiful and marvelous…
Heritage Craft - May Charcoal Burn
The process of charcoal burning is both art and science – a controlled burn requiring close…
Highlights of the Collection Tour | Pallant House Gallery
Join one of our experienced Guides for a tour of the collection in the historic house. Explore…
Merlynda's Heavenly Love Poetry Exhibitions
Visitors are invited to explore regular weekend exhibitions of enchanting illustrated poetry inside…
Summer Fete
The Summer Fete at Fishbourne Roman Palace offers a fun, family-friendly day out filled with local…
Summer Fete | Fishbourne Roman Palace
Celebrate the start of summer at the Summer Fete at Fishbourne Roman Palace – a fun, family-friendly…
Tango Unchained by Candlelight
Tango Unchained by Candlelight is the powerful and exciting new show for 2026, bringing the…
Goodwood Breakfast Club 20th Anniversary
Join us as we celebrate our 200th Anniversary Breakfast Club. Cast your vote via our website to have…
Guided Tour of Stansted House
Join one of our knowledgeable tour guides for a Guided Tour of Stansted House. Discover the family…
Snorkel Tour
Snorkelling offers you a fantastic chance to get close to shy marine residents. Maybe you have…
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