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 AllCaroline Walker: Mothering
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms…
COS26 - Art Trail 'Snapshot' Exhibition
The highly anticipated Chichester Open Studios Art Trail returns this spring, promising two…
Floating Aqua Sound Bath Experience
Floating Aqua Sound Bath Indulge in profound relaxation during our water-floating sessions, where…
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…
Petworth House & Park Spring Festival
The Petworth Spring Festival 2026 (Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April) will include talks…
Tulip Festival | Arundel Castle
The annual Tulip Festival at Arundel Castle is a show-stopping display of thousands upon thousands…
William Nicholson
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic…
Chichester After Dark - Ghost Tours
Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure with the Chichester After Dark - Ghost Tour! Explore the…
Life Drawing | Pallant House Gallery
Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces…
National Garden Scheme: The Old Vicarage Washington Open Garden
The Old Vicarage Washington garden open in aid of National Garden Scheme charities A truly…
Talk | 'William Nicholson's greatest invention? The image of the artist' with Stephen Calloway
In this illustrated talk, celebrated curator and aesthete Stephen Calloway explores how William…
Thursday Late | Art of Appearance
In a special talk (tickets sold separately), celebrated curator and aesthete Stephen Calloway…
Chichester District Farmers' Market
All stallholders at the Chichester Farmers' Market are required to grow, rear, bake, and/or preserve…
Dawn Chorus Walk
£23 book online Experience the delights of the dawn chorus at Arundel Wetland Centre on this…
Elmer and Friends VIP launch
Join us at The Novium Museum on the opening morning of Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of…
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…
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…
Return of the Larder
RETURN OF THE LARDER A joyful, sensory, seasonal workshop capturing the essence of Spring
Rogate Pumpkin Patch Ticket Launch
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open…
West Dean Garden Tour & Cream Tea
Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens with two senior and knowledgeable members of…
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