Great family days don't have to break the bank. West Sussex has brilliant free attractions, from Blue Flag beaches to nature reserves and museums that don't charge for children. Here is our guide to the best free activities for families.
Quick Comparison
| Venue | Location | Best For | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Wittering Beach | West Wittering | Sandy beach, rock pools | Paid |
| RSPB Pagham Harbour | Bognor Regis | Bird watching, easy walks | Paid (free for members) |
| Worthing Seafront and Pier | Worthing | Promenade, pier, paddling pool | Varies |
| The Novium Museum | Chichester | History, Roman baths (free entry) | Paid |
| Buchan Country Park | Crawley | Woodland walks, play area | Free |
| Hotham Park | Bognor Regis | Free playground, paid adventure golf | Free |
| South Downs | Across West Sussex | Walking, views, wildlife | Varies |
The Best Free Days Out
West Wittering Beach
One of the finest beaches in the South East with golden sand and clean water. Blue Flag awarded. The beach itself is free, you just pay for parking, which is worth arriving early for in summer.
East Head nature reserve at the far end is particularly good for rock pools and paddling. The dunes are perfect for picnics and the water is clean enough for proper swimming.
Key Information
Top tip: East Head at the far end of the beach is the best spot for rock pools. Arrive early in summer to guarantee parking.
RSPB Pagham Harbour
Beautiful nature reserve with easy walking trails and bird hides. Free entry to the reserve. Parking is free for members and blue-badge holders; non-members pay £3 (up to 4hrs) or £4 (over 4hrs). Great for spotting wading birds, seals, and wildflowers throughout the year.
The circular walk around the harbour is about four miles, but shorter options are available from the visitor centre. Download the RSPB app to help identify birds as you go.
Key Information
Top tip: The visitor centre has toilets and information boards. Binoculars make a big difference here.
Worthing Seafront and Pier
Classic English seaside with a lovely promenade, pier, and sheltered beaches. The pier is free to walk on, there is a free paddling pool in summer near the pier, and the prom is great for cycling and scootering.
Worthing has invested heavily in the seafront in recent years. The combination of pier, promenade, playground, and paddling pool makes it a genuinely good free day out.
Key Information
Top tip: The paddling pool near the pier opens during summer holidays. Combine with fish and chips from one of the seafront takeaways.
The Novium Museum
Free entry for everyone to this excellent museum built over Roman bath ruins you can see through the glass floor. Interactive displays about Chichester's history from the Romans onwards. Admission is free for everyone, adults and children alike, making it brilliant value for families.
Key Information
Top tip: Combine with exploring Chichester. The cathedral is also free to enter and has excellent family-friendly activities during school holidays.
Buchan Country Park
170 acres of woodland and meadows with a network of trails, all completely free. Free parking, a play area, and orienteering courses. The visitor centre has a small cafe for when you need a break.
This is one of the best spots in Crawley for den building, nature spotting, and letting kids run free. The paths are well-maintained and there are routes suitable for buggies.
Key Information
Top tip: Pick up a nature trail from the visitor centre. Great for den building in the woodland areas.
Hotham Park
Beautiful Victorian park with an 18-hole adventure golf course (paid, from £6 for under-16s / £9 adults), a large playground, and cafe. The miniature railway runs in summer for a small charge, but the park itself is always free. Clubs for the adventure golf are available from the cafe.
Key Information
Top tip: The adventure golf is a paid attraction (from £6 for under-16s, £9 adults), but the playground and park are free. Gets busy on sunny weekends.
Bognor Regis Beach
Shingle beach with a traditional seaside town behind. Free parking along parts of the promenade, free beach, and a nostalgic town centre. Good for paddling rather than swimming due to the shingle, but the kids will not mind.
Key Information
Top tip: The town has some of the best-value chip shops on the Sussex coast.
South Downs National Park
The whole South Downs is free to explore. Start from any of the car parks (some free, some paid) and walk as far as you like. Devil's Dyke and Chanctonbury Ring are family favourites, and Cissbury Ring near Worthing is an easy walk with amazing views.
Key Information
Top tip: Start with Cissbury Ring near Worthing for an easy walk with panoramic views. Bring a kite, it is always windy up top.
All details were correct at the time of writing (February 2026). We recommend checking websites before visiting, as details can change. West Sussex Weekly is not responsible for third-party pricing or availability.