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 AllAncient woodland walk with Natural Landscape Manager Darren Norris
Explore the history and natural beauty of the ancient woodland surrounding Goodwood Art Foundation…
ASHES TO FIRE by Alice Carter | Chichester Cathedral
ASHES TO FIRE by Alice Carter 13 February - 5 April 2026 Monday – Saturday (9.00am – 5.00pm)…
Caroline Walker: Mothering
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms…
Easter Boat Trip | Chichester Canal
Easter Bunny boat trips on Chichester Canal 2026 Join the fun on our Easter Boat Cruises which…
Easter Craft Clubs | Jam Cafe
Easter Craft Club at Jam Cafe, Chichester. Running from 30th March 2026 to 11th April…
Easter Eggstravaganza
Join us for Easter Eggstravaganza at Aldingbourne Country Centre, where every visit helps support…
Easter Holiday Activites | Goodwood Art Foundation
Easter Holidays - Art in Nature Packs Pick up a free Art in Nature pack from The Gallery and…
Easter Holidays Art in Nature activities | Goodwood Art Foundation
Art in Nature Packs Saturday 28th March – Sunday 12th April Pick up an Art in Nature pack from the…
Easter trail at West Dean Gardens
Easter activities for the whole family Easter Family activity trails Come and enjoy a family…
Elmer Easter Trail
Ahead of The Novium Museum's Elmer and Friends exhibition, Elmer has arrived a little early for…
ERASURE
Through painting, sculpture, installation and moving image, the exhibition deals with prescient…
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…
Jane Bown: Play Shadow
Jane Bown: Play Shadow at Newlands House Gallery Explore an intimate portrait of one of…
Lunchtime Concerts at Chichester Cathedral
Each Tuesday at 1.10pm (apart from during school holidays) the Cathedral hosts a lunchtime concert…
Northlands Farmyard Easter Egg Hunt
Join us for a giant Easter Egg Hunt at Northlands Farm in Chichester Explore the farm, meet…
Roald Dahl's The BFG
Roald Dahl's unforgettable story comes to life in a magical new adaptation by Tom Wells (The…
Tilly Plants a Tree | Petworth House & Park
Tilly Plants a Tree Trail Families are invited to join a free* 'Tilly Plants a Tree…
William Nicholson
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic…
Children's Marine Ecology Club
Living in the UK we are surrounded by the sea which contains some beautiful and marvelous…
Waking up the Wild Easter Holiday Activities
Join us as we explore 'Waking up the Wild' over the Easter holidays with activities…
Citizen Science Event
What is a Citizen Science? It is when the public voluntarily helps conduct scientific research. The…
Spring City Walk and Draw
Inspired by The Novium Museum's Every Step of the Way exhibition? Let your creativity shine this…
Tulip Festival | Arundel Castle
The annual Tulip Festival at Arundel Castle is a show-stopping display of thousands upon thousands…
Don't miss...
Things to Do in West Sussex
Explore our Towns, Villages and Coast
Image: Joanna Kaczorowska