Guides & Things to Do

Practical, evergreen guides for planning days out across West Sussex.

Cars lined up at the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb on a bright summer dayJeff Cooper / Unsplash
Events & EntertainmentGuide

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026: Dates 9–12 July, Tickets & Tips

The 2026 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard returns to Goodwood on 9 to 12 July with the theme "The Rivals: Epic Racing Duels", celebrating motorsport's greatest rivalries including Hunt vs Lauda and Ford vs Ferrari.

FamilyOutdoors
20 Feb 20269 minRead the guide
Pastel beach huts at West Wittering with East Head dunes behind, sandy shore stretching out in soft golden-hour May lightWest Sussex Weekly
Seasonal GuidesGuide

10 West Sussex Staycations for May Half Term Breaks

A decision-helping guide to ten West Sussex bases for a 3 to 5 night family staycation this May half term. Coast, downs and town, with honest trade-offs for each.

FamilySeasonalOutdoors
17 May 202619 minRead the guide
A person on a high ropes course through a West Sussex woodland canopy
Events & EntertainmentGuide

Adventure Activities in West Sussex

From treetop adventures at Go Ape to paddleboarding on Chichester Harbour, West Sussex has a surprisingly good range of adventure activities for families and teenagers.

FamilyTeenagersOutdoors
15 May 20268 minRead the guide
A concrete skatepark at golden hour with smooth transitions and pool coping casting long shadows, no people in frameWest Sussex Weekly
Local BusinessGuide

Best Skateparks in West Sussex

West Sussex has more than 30 outdoor skateparks, but quality varies considerably. This guide covers ten outdoor parks from Horsham to Selsey, rated honestly for beginners, scooters, BMX and families, with two indoor options and a comparison table covering parking, toilets and day-out add-ons.

OutdoorsSportFamily
4 May 202618 minRead the guide
A still West Sussex lake at golden hour with mirror-flat water, mature reedbeds, a weathered wooden jetty on the right and the chalk ridge of the South Downs on the horizonWest Sussex Weekly
Local BusinessGuide

Fishing in West Sussex: Where to Fish

West Sussex offers fishing across sea, river and stillwater, with day-ticket prices from £8 to £290 and rules that differ wildly between salt water and fresh water. This guide groups every accessible water by category, with honest notes on licences, club access, beginner spots and the safety items most casual guides miss.

OutdoorsSportFamily
28 Apr 202628 minRead the guide
A West Sussex parkland golf fairway at golden hour with mature oak trees framing the view and the chalk ridge of the South Downs visible on the horizonWest Sussex Weekly
Local BusinessGuide

Golf Courses in West Sussex: A Guide

West Sussex has around 25 operating golf courses, with visitor green fees ranging from £12 to over £200. This guide groups every visitor-friendly course by access (members clubs, pay-and-play, par-3) with honest notes on beginner suitability and what each round actually costs.

OutdoorsSportFamily
28 Apr 202625 minRead the guide
Family walking away from camera along a chalk downland path on the South Downs, West Sussex, with rolling hills and distant coast on a soft overcast spring afternoonWest Sussex Weekly
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Half-Term West Sussex 2026: Dates, Ideas and Days Out

The evergreen hub for West Sussex half-terms. Dates for 2026 and 2027, activities by type, the venues that actually need booking, and how the free HAF scheme works. One page for every half-term in the calendar.

FamilyKids
20 Apr 20268 minRead the guide
Chichester Cathedral and city centre rooftops seen from above on a clear dayPhoto by Dan Edwards
Guide

Things to Do in Chichester: A Complete Local Guide (2026)

Cathedral, Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery, Novium Museum, canal boat trips, Fishbourne Roman Palace, and what to do nearby. A complete local guide to Chichester with prices and honest tips.

Family
16 Apr 202613 minRead the guide
Audience seated in red theatre seats watching a performance in a darkened auditoriumPhoto by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash
Events & EntertainmentGuide

Chichester Festival Theatre 2026: The Complete Season Guide

Chichester Festival Theatre's 2026 season runs from April to October with 10 productions — Magic, Atonement, My Fair Lady, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and five new plays in the Minerva. Here is every show, with ticket tips and the £5 Prologue scheme explained.

Arts & Culture
15 Apr 20268 minRead the guide
Medieval castle gatehouse archway in warm Sussex sandstone, with rolling green hills and sheep visible beyond on an overcast English afternoonWest Sussex Weekly
History & HeritageGuide

Castles in West Sussex: A Family Guide

West Sussex has over 3,000 listed buildings, six castles, and two Roman sites. From Arundel Castle to Fishbourne Roman Palace and the Weald & Downland Museum, this guide covers the best historic days out with honest notes on prices and what works for families.

Arts & CultureFamilyOutdoors
29 Mar 202611 minRead the guide
Teenagers on a West Sussex coastal path looking out to sea on a bright summer afternoon
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Things to Do with Teenagers in West Sussex: 25+ Activity and Days Out Ideas

Keeping teenagers entertained is a different challenge to toddlers. They want adrenaline, independence, and things that do not feel like "family days out". West Sussex has more options than you might think.

FamilyTeenagers
24 Mar 202613 minRead the guide
Wide view of the South of England Showground at Ardingly, West Sussex, with green fields, event pavilions, and a large English sky
Events & EntertainmentGuide

South of England Show 2026: Dates, Tickets & What to Expect

The South of England Showground at Ardingly is West Sussex's most significant multi-event venue. Spring Live!, the South of England Show, the Ardingly Antiques Fair, and the Autumn Show — this is your guide to what's on and how to visit.

FamilyOutdoorsSeasonal
19 Mar 20266 minRead the guide
Timber-framed historic barn at Weald and Downland Living Museum with chalk downland hills in the background
History & HeritageGuide

Weald and Downland Living Museum: Day Out for Families

The Weald and Downland Living Museum near Chichester has over 50 historic buildings on 40 acres of South Downs landscape. This is the honest guide for families planning the day: what to expect, what it costs, and how to get there by bus.

FamilyHistory & HeritageDog-Friendly
19 Mar 20267 minRead the guide
A flight of craft beers on a taproom bar, glasses of pale ale and stout in a rowPhoto by Meritt Thomas
Food & DrinkGuide

West Sussex Breweries and Taprooms: Where to Visit

Five brewery taprooms in West Sussex worth the drive — from Firebird's converted brickworks in Rudgwick to Arundel's town-centre taphouse. Hours, food, and honest visit notes.

Food & Drink
14 Mar 202610 minRead the guide
A bright spring garden centre in West Sussex with outdoor plants, trolleys, shrubs, herbs and a welcoming cafe area
Food & DrinkGuide

Best Garden Centres and Nurseries in West Sussex

A practical directory of garden centres and nurseries across West Sussex — covering destination centres, independent nurseries, and plant-first options, with opening hours, food offers, and what each place is best suited to.

Family
12 Mar 202621 minRead the guide
A colourful adventure playground with wooden climbing towers, rope bridges and slides in an English country park
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Playgrounds in West Sussex: The Play Areas Worth Driving To

Not all playgrounds are created equal. We've rounded up the best play areas in West Sussex, from adventure playgrounds to splash pads and destination parks.

FamilyKidsOutdoors
12 Feb 20264 minRead the guide
A colourful birthday party table set up in a bright village hall with bunting, balloons and party hats
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Birthday Party Venues for Kids in West Sussex

Planning a kids' birthday party? West Sussex has brilliant venues from soft play to trampolining, bowling to adventure centres. Here are the best options by age and budget.

Kids
12 Feb 20265 minRead the guide
A golden retriever running joyfully along a sandy beach at low tide with dunes in the background
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Dog-Friendly Days Out in West Sussex: Where the Whole Family Can Come

Finding days out that welcome dogs can be tricky. We've rounded up the best dog-friendly attractions, beaches, walks and pubs in West Sussex.

FamilyOutdoorsDog-Friendly
12 Feb 20264 minRead the guide
A colourful kite flying above a grassy clifftop with the English Channel and chalk cliffs in the distance
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Free Things to Do in West Sussex: Family Days Out That Cost Nothing

Great family days don't have to break the bank. West Sussex has brilliant free attractions, from Blue Flag beaches to nature reserves and free museums.

FamilyFreeTeenagers
12 Feb 20265 minRead the guide
Rain streaming down a window with colourful wellington boots and an umbrella on the sill, warm golden light inside
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Rainy Day Activities in West Sussex for Families

Don't let the rain stop play. West Sussex has brilliant indoor attractions for families, from soft play centres to museums and leisure pools with flumes.

FamilyKidsTeenagers
12 Feb 20264 minRead the guide
A walking trail winding through the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs at golden hour, with wildflowers and a wooden fingerpost marker
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Family Walks in the South Downs: Kid-Friendly Routes with Views

The South Downs offers some of England's finest walking, but not all routes suit little legs. Here are our favourite family-friendly walks with stunning views.

FamilyOutdoors
12 Feb 20265 minRead the guide
A bright and colourful indoor soft play centre with multi-level climbing structure, slides and ball pit
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Soft Play in West Sussex 2026: 14 Venues, Prices & Ages

West Sussex has over 40 indoor venues for families. From free soft play in Bognor Regis to eight-activity complexes in Angmering, here are the best places to take the kids when it rains.

KidsTeenagers
11 Feb 202612 minRead the guide
Rows of grapevines on a chalk hillside in the English South Downs with a flint stone winery building
Food & DrinkGuide

Best Vineyards and Wine Tasting in West Sussex

West Sussex sits on the same chalk seam as Champagne, and the county is home to some of England's finest vineyards. Here is our guide to the best vineyard tours, tastings and dining experiences.

Food & Drink
11 Feb 20269 minRead the guide
A canvas bell tent in a wildflower meadow with the South Downs behind, campfire pit and bunting
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Camping and Glamping Sites in West Sussex

West Sussex has over 120 campsites, from back-to-basics farm pitches near sandy beaches to luxury glamping with hot tubs and wood burners. Here are the 9 best for families.

OutdoorsFamilyTeenagers
10 Feb 202612 minRead the guide
Dogs playing on the lawn of a grand English country estate with ornate gates and a Regency mansion
Events & EntertainmentGuide

Goodwoof 2026: What Happened — and What to Expect in 2027

Goodwoof 2026 took place 16–17 May at Goodwood Estate, Chichester. The rescue dog opening parade, Jellycat exclusives, Barkitecture judged by Kevin McCloud, and a packed schedule of canine competitions. Here is what the day looked like — and what to watch for when Goodwoof 2027 is announced.

FamilyDog-FriendlyOutdoors
10 Feb 20267 minRead the guide
An English farmers market with striped canvas awnings, fresh produce on trestle tables and chalk price signs
Food & DrinkGuide

Best Markets in West Sussex: A Complete Guide

From historic cattle market towns to weekly farmers markets brimming with local produce, West Sussex has a brilliant range of markets. Here's your complete guide to the best ones.

Food & Drink
9 Feb 20267 minRead the guide
Rolling South Downs hills on a clear spring day in West SussexPhoto by Sam Knight
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Free Things to Do in West Sussex This Spring

Spring is the best time to explore West Sussex without spending a penny. From bluebell carpets to empty beaches, here are our favourite free days out this season.

FamilyFreeOutdoors
8 Feb 20269 minRead the guide
Friends clinking beer glasses over pub food on a sunny outdoor terracePhoto by Elevate on Unsplash
Food & DrinkGuide

Best Pubs with Beer Gardens in West Sussex (2026)

West Sussex has over 300 pubs, but which ones have genuinely good beer gardens for families? We pick eight of the best, from South Downs village locals to coastal favourites, all with outdoor space, decent food and a warm welcome for children.

FamilyFood & DrinkDog-Friendly
5 Feb 202611 minRead the guide
A wide sandy English beach at low tide with wooden groynes, dramatic clouds and dunes
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Beaches in West Sussex: A Family Guide

West Sussex has 28 beaches spread across 50 miles of coastline, from the famous sandy stretch at West Wittering to quieter shingle spots that never get crowded. Here is an honest family guide with parking costs, dog rules and real local tips.

FamilyOutdoorsFree
3 Feb 202610 minRead the guide
A smooth tarmac path through an English country park in autumn with golden beech trees
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best West Sussex Walks with Pushchairs and Toddlers

West Sussex has over 3,300 km of public rights of way, but only a fraction work with a pushchair. We have tested seven routes that do, covering surface type, gradient, nearest loo and nearest cafe for every one.

FamilyKidsOutdoors
1 Feb 202610 minRead the guide
Highland cattle behind a wooden fence with a red barn and rolling English countryside
Seasonal GuidesGuide

Best Farm Parks and Animal Attractions in West Sussex

West Sussex has some of the best farm parks and animal attractions in the South East. From the all-day adventure of Fishers Farm to deer feeding at Sky Park Farm, here is our honest guide with prices, best ages and what is actually worth the money.

FamilyKidsOutdoors
30 Jan 202612 minRead the guide
Arundel Castle on a hill above the River Arun with swans and flint stone buildings in golden evening light
History & HeritageGuide

A Local's Guide to Arundel: Best Things to Do

Arundel packs a nearly 1,000-year-old castle, a French Gothic cathedral, a world-class wetland centre and one of the best high streets in Sussex into a town of just 3,500 people. Here is what is genuinely worth your time.

FamilyOutdoors
28 Jan 20269 minRead the guide