Spring in West Sussex is a quietly brilliant thing. The county has over 50 miles of coastline, a national park covering 1,627 square kilometres, and more free outdoor attractions than most people realise. Better still, visiting between March and May means you get the best of the scenery before the summer crowds arrive.
Whether you are looking for free family activities in West Sussex or a solo escape that costs nothing at all, this guide covers the best options for spring. For year-round ideas, see our companion guide to free things to do in West Sussex.
Quick Comparison
| Activity | Location | Best Month | Facilities | Postcode | |----------|----------|-----------|------------|----------| | Bluebell walks, Angmering Park | Angmering | Late April | Informal paths, no facilities | BN18 9RG | | Bluebell walks, Nymans woodland | Handcross | Late April/May | Cafe, toilets, play area (NT) | RH17 6EB | | West Dean Woods bluebells | West Dean | Late April | Car park, paths | PO18 0RX | | Goodwood Breakfast Club | Goodwood | Spring dates (Sun) | Food stalls, toilets | PO18 0PX | | Pagham Harbour RSPB | Nr Bognor Regis | March onwards | Visitor centre, hides, free parking | PO21 4NR | | Chichester Canal towpath | Chichester | Any spring month | Cafe at Basin, flat path | PO19 8DT | | Worthing seafront and pier | Worthing | April/May | Pier, cafes, free parking areas | BN11 3PJ | | South Downs walks | Various | Any spring month | Varies by route | Various | | Worthing Museum & Art Gallery | Worthing | Any | Fully accessible, free | BN11 1HP | | Hotham Park | Bognor Regis | Any spring month | Playground, cafe, free parking | PO21 1HN |
Bluebell Walks
Spring in West Sussex means one thing above all else: bluebells. The county's ancient woodlands put on a show that is genuinely world-class, and it will not cost you a penny to see it.
Angmering Park Estate
The bluebell display at Angmering Park is one of the finest in southern England. Miles of ancient woodland floor are covered in a dense purple-blue carpet from mid-April, and because the estate is less well-known than some National Trust sites, you can often have the paths to yourself. The walk is informal with no entry charge and no car park fee if you park considerately on the verge. Best visited in late April.
Nearest postcode: BN18 9RG
Nymans Woodland
Nymans is one of West Sussex's best-loved National Trust gardens, and the surrounding ancient woodland is carpeted with bluebells in spring. The woodland walk is accessible from the main gardens. Note that entry to the Nymans gardens requires National Trust membership or a paid ticket, but the woodland paths around the edges of the estate are accessible via public rights of way. Under-5s go free.
Address: Handcross, near Haywards Heath, **RH17 6EB**
West Dean Woods
Less visited than its neighbours, West Dean Woods near Chichester offers a lovely bluebell walk through managed woodland on the South Downs. The walk links up with longer routes towards the Centurion Way cycle path. Free to visit with a small car park nearby.
Nearest postcode: PO18 0RX
Beaches Before the Crowds
One of the best-kept secrets about West Sussex beaches is how good they are in spring. From March onwards, the days are long enough for a proper visit, the sand is clean, and you will not be fighting for a spot.
Worthing seafront is our top pick for a free spring beach day. The promenade runs for miles, the pier is free to walk along, and there is free parking in several spots along the front. Pack a flask and you have a genuinely lovely morning out.
Littlehampton has a similar feel, with the added bonus of the East Beach area and the riverside walk along the Arun. The harbour arm makes for a bracing spring walk.
West Wittering has arguably the best sand in the county, though the car park charges year-round (from around £6 in the off-season). If you can cycle or bus there, the beach itself is free.
For our full breakdown of beaches, see our guide to the best beaches in West Sussex.
South Downs Walks
The South Downs National Park stretches right across West Sussex and it is completely free to explore. Spring is arguably the best time: the chalk grassland bursts into flower, skylarks are singing overhead, and the light has a clarity that summer haze steals away.
Some of our favourite free spring walks:
- Chanctonbury Ring from Washington. A circular route through ancient hillfort woodland with views across the Weald. Around 4 miles.
- Devil's Dyke from the car park (free National Trust car park for members; small charge for others). Spectacular dry valley views and rolling downland. Around 3 miles.
- Amberley to Kithurst Hill. A longer route (6 miles) through some of the quietest stretches of the Downs, with wildflower meadows in late spring.
- Harting Down near South Harting. A gentle circuit with Iron Age earthworks and butterflies from April onwards.
The South Downs National Park Authority publishes free downloadable route guides on its website. For family-friendly options, see our guide to South Downs family walks.
Free Museums and Galleries
West Sussex has several museums and galleries with free or partially free admission. These three are our picks for a spring visit.
Worthing Museum and Art Gallery
Completely free to enter, Worthing Museum houses a surprisingly rich collection that includes costume, toys, archaeology and fine art. The building itself is a handsome Edwardian gem. It is open Tuesday to Saturday and makes a brilliant rainy-day backup plan.
Address: Chapel Road, Worthing, **BN11 1HP**
Pallant House Gallery
One of the best small art galleries in the country, Pallant House Gallery in Chichester has a world-class collection of Modern British art with over 5,000 works. Under-18s get in free. Adult tickets cost £17, but the gallery runs occasional free community days and late openings. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 8-9 North Pallant, Chichester, **PO19 1TJ**
The Novium Museum
Also in Chichester, The Novium has free entry for under-18s and houses the remarkable Chichester Roman baths in its basement. Adults pay a small admission fee, but for families with children, it is brilliant value.
Address: Tower Street, Chichester, **PO19 1QH**
Goodwood Breakfast Club
This one is a genuine treat. Goodwood Breakfast Club runs on select Sunday mornings at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit, and attendance is completely free. Each event has a different theme, and visitors bring their own cars, bikes and classics to display on the grid and in the paddocks.
Even if you are not a petrolhead, it is a fantastic morning out. The atmosphere is relaxed, there are food stalls selling proper Goodwood breakfasts, and children love seeing the cars up close. In 2026, Goodwood are inviting guests to make a voluntary donation to a chosen local charity rather than charging for entry.
Address: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, **PO18 0PX**
Top tip: arrive early (before 9am) for the best atmosphere and easiest parking.
Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve
RSPB Pagham Harbour is a Local Nature Reserve on the coast between Bognor Regis and Selsey. Entry and parking are free. In spring, the reserve comes alive with migrating birds, nesting little terns, and wildflowers on the shingle banks.
The circular walk around the harbour takes around two hours at an easy pace and is mostly flat. There are bird hides positioned along the route, and the visitor centre (open seasonally) has information boards and friendly volunteers. It is one of the best free days out in West Sussex for nature lovers.
Nearest postcode: PO21 4NR
Chichester Canal Towpath
The Chichester Canal towpath is a flat, easy walk running four miles from the Canal Basin in Chichester to the harbour at Birdham. It is a designated public footpath, completely free to use, and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs along most of its length.
In spring, the canal banks are full of wildflowers and you will spot moorhens, herons and the occasional kingfisher. The Canal Basin has a small cafe run by volunteers, and the walk passes through open farmland with views of Chichester Cathedral and the South Downs.
Start point: Canal Basin, Chichester, **PO19 8DT**
The canal trust is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, so consider picking up a tea at the Basin cafe to support their work.
Free Parks and Playgrounds
West Sussex has some cracking free parks, and spring is the perfect time to make the most of them.
- Hotham Park, Bognor Regis (PO21 1HN) has a free adventure playground, miniature railway (small charge), and beautiful spring flower beds. Free parking too.
- Highdown Gardens, Worthing (BN12 6FB) is a hidden chalk garden managed by Worthing Borough Council. Completely free, with spring bulbs and blossom from March.
- Buchan Country Park, Crawley (RH11 9HQ) offers 170 acres of woodland, heathland and lakes with free entry and free parking. Great for families.
- Marine Gardens, Worthing (BN11 3PJ) is a small but beautifully kept seafront park, perfect for a spring picnic.
For a full guide to the county's best play areas, see our roundup of the best playgrounds in West Sussex.
Spring Events with Free Entry
Keep an eye on local listings for these annual spring highlights that are either free or have free elements:
- Chichester Farmers' Market runs on the first and third Saturday of each month in East Street. Free to browse, hard to leave without buying something.
- Arundel in Bloom sees the town centre (High Street and surrounds, BN18 9AB) decorated with floral displays from late April. Free to enjoy.
- Worthing Earth Day events (late April) often include free workshops, talks and community activities along the seafront (Marine Parade, BN11 3PJ).
Spring in West Sussex does not have to cost a thing. Pack a picnic, lace up your walking boots, and make the most of the county before summer arrives. For more ideas throughout the year, check out our full guide to free things to do in West Sussex.