Looking for things to do during May half-term 2026 in West Sussex? Schools break up on Friday 22 May, with half-term week running from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May. Monday 25 May is also the late May bank holiday, so it is a proper long week off.
The good news: May half-term in West Sussex is a completely different proposition to February. Longer days, warmer weather, and the coast and countryside are at their best. Here is our pick of the best family activities, days out and outdoor adventures for the week.
1. Arundel Castle and Gardens
Arundel Castle reopens for the season on 1 April, so by May it is in full swing. The castle grounds are spectacular in late spring, with the formal gardens in bloom and the grounds open for picnics. Kids love the keep (steep stairs, amazing views), the armoury and the interactive medieval displays.
During school holidays the castle typically runs special family activities — jousting displays, have-a-go archery and medieval craft workshops. Check their website closer to the date for the confirmed May half-term programme.
Location: Arundel Castle, Arundel, BN18 9AB
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday plus bank holiday Monday, 10am to 5pm
Cost: Adult from £24, Child (5-16) from £14, Under 5s free, Family tickets available
Ages: All ages (best for 4+)
Top tip: Buy tickets online in advance for a discount. The gardens-only ticket is good value if you have very young children who will not last the full castle tour.
2. Fishers Farm Park
A West Sussex family classic that really comes into its own in summer. Fishers Farm Park has 30 acres of outdoor fun including tractor rides, the huge adventure playground, go-karts, the maze, and a full programme of animal encounters.
In May, the farm is at its best — lambs in the fields, the outdoor areas fully open, and long enough days to genuinely get your money's worth. The indoor soft play is there as a backup if the weather turns, but at this time of year you should not need it.
Location: Fishers Farm Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, RH14 0EG
When: Open daily during half-term, 10am to 5pm
Parking: Free
Cost: Check website for current prices (book online for discounts)
Ages: Best for 0-12 year olds
Top tip: Pack a picnic. There are loads of outdoor picnic spots, and it saves a fortune compared to buying lunch on-site. Arrive early to beat the queues on sunny days.
3. West Sussex Beaches
May half-term is prime beach weather (fingers crossed). West Sussex has some of the best family beaches on the south coast, and they are far less crowded than their East Sussex neighbours.
West Wittering Beach is the headline act — wide sandy beach, dunes, shallow paddling and a Blue Flag award. It does get busy on sunny half-term days, so arrive before 10am for parking. Climping Beach near Littlehampton is the local secret: similar quality sand, a fraction of the crowds, and free parking along the lane.
Littlehampton itself has a lovely sandy beach plus the award-winning East Beach Café and the world's longest bench. Bognor Regis beach is great for traditional seaside fun with rock pools, a pier, and Hotham Park just behind.
For something different, Shoreham Beach is a nature reserve with an unusual shingle habitat and rock pools to explore. And Selsey at the tip of the Manhood Peninsula is brilliant for crabbing off the jetty.
Top tip: West Wittering charges for parking and it fills up fast on sunny days. If you want the beach without the stress, try Climping or East Preston instead.
4. South Downs Walks and Cycling
The South Downs National Park is right on the doorstep and May is one of the best months to explore it. Wild flowers are out, the chalk grassland is buzzing with butterflies, and the light is beautiful.
Family-friendly walks:
- Amberley to Arundel along the River Arun — flat, pushchair-friendly in dry weather, with the option to stop at Amberley Museum or the riverside pub
- Chanctonbury Ring from Steyning — a moderate uphill walk to the famous Iron Age ring of trees with spectacular views
- Devil's Dyke from the car park — one of the most famous viewpoints on the South Downs, with a pub and ice cream van at the top
Cycling: The Downs Link path from Shoreham to Guildford is traffic-free and perfect for families. The section from Bramber to Henfield is flat and scenic. Hire bikes from local shops or bring your own.
For more ideas, see our guide to South Downs family walks and pushchair-friendly walks in West Sussex.
5. WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
WWT Arundel is a year-round family favourite, but May is arguably its best month. Baby ducklings and goslings are everywhere, the wildflower meadows are in bloom, and the outdoor adventure play areas are in full use.
The centre has boat safaris, pond dipping (a massive hit with primary-age kids), the brilliant Pelican Cove walk-through aviary, and quiet hides for spotting kingfishers and herons. There is a good café overlooking the lake, and plenty of picnic spots.
Location: WWT Arundel, Mill Road, Arundel, BN18 9PB
When: Open daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last admission 4pm in summer)
Cost: Adult from £13.30, Child (4-16) from £7.15, Family from £34.75 (online advance prices)
Ages: Best for 2-10 year olds
Dogs: Not permitted (assistance dogs only)
Top tip: Book online at least a day ahead for a 10% discount. Ask about pond dipping sessions at reception — they run at set times and are included in admission.
6. Weald and Downland Living Museum
This open-air museum near Chichester is one of the best family days out in the county, and May is a great time to visit. Over 50 historic buildings are spread across 40 acres of South Downs countryside, with a working Tudor kitchen, a Victorian school, a woodland play area, and farm animals.
During school holidays they run special family activities — check the website for the confirmed May half-term programme. The usual line-up includes traditional crafts, storytelling, and historical reenactments.
Location: Weald & Downland Living Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, PO18 0EU
When: Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Ages: Best for 3-12 year olds
Top tip: There is a woodland play trail that younger kids can spend hours on. Pack wellies even in May — some parts of the grounds stay muddy.
7. Petworth House and Park
Petworth Park is free to enter year-round and it is magnificent in late spring. The ancient deer park was painted by Turner and you can see why — rolling hills, century-old trees, and herds of fallow deer grazing in the open.
For the full experience, visit Petworth House (National Trust) with its world-class art collection and restored servants' quarters. Kids get a free trail and there is usually a family activity running in the grounds during half-term.
Location: Petworth House and Park, Petworth, GU28 0AE
When: Park open dawn to dusk (free). House open Wed-Sun plus holidays
Cost: Park free. House: Adult £18, Child £9, Family £45 (NT members free)
Ages: All ages
Dogs: Welcome in the park (on leads near deer)
Top tip: The deer are especially active in the early morning and late afternoon. Bring binoculars for the kids — spotting fawns in May is a real treat.
8. Holiday Clubs and Childcare
Not everyone gets the full week off work. If you need childcare during May half-term, West Sussex has a good selection of holiday clubs offering everything from multi-sports camps to drama workshops and forest schools.
Browse our full guide to holiday clubs in West Sussex for options across the county, searchable by area.
9. Free Options: Parks, Gardens and Playgrounds
May half-term does not have to cost a fortune. West Sussex has brilliant free options:
- Hotham Park, Bognor Regis — free crazy golf, miniature railway, playground and gardens
- Highdown Gardens, Worthing — a hidden gem with a stunning chalk-pit garden (free entry, free parking)
- Tilgate Park, Crawley — 2,000 acres with nature centre, adventure playground, lake walks (parking charges apply)
- Horsham Park — splash pad (seasonal), large playground, bandstand events
- Priory Park, Chichester — playground, cricket pitch, and the city walls walk
For the full list, see our guide to free things to do in West Sussex and the best playgrounds in West Sussex.
Quick Reference: May Half-Term at a Glance
| Activity | When | Cost | Best Ages | |----------|------|------|-----------| | Arundel Castle | Tue-Sun + bank hol Mon | From £14 (child) | 4+ | | Fishers Farm Park | Daily | Admission price | 0-12 | | West Sussex beaches | Any day | Free (parking varies) | All ages | | South Downs walks | Any day | Free | All ages | | WWT Arundel | Daily | From £7.15 (child) | 2-10 | | Weald & Downland Museum | Daily | Admission price | 3-12 | | Petworth Park | Daily | Free | All ages | | Hotham Park, Bognor | Daily | Free | All ages |
Worth Knowing
Weather: May half-term weather in West Sussex is typically mild to warm (15-20°C), but it can be changeable. Pack sun cream AND a light waterproof. Evenings cool down fast, so bring layers for late afternoon.
Bank holiday Monday: 25 May is a bank holiday. Popular beaches and attractions will be at their busiest. If you can, save the biggest outings for Tuesday to Friday when crowds thin out.
Book ahead: Fishers Farm, Arundel Castle, and WWT Arundel can sell out on sunny half-term days. Pre-booking online is recommended and usually cheaper.
Packed lunches: Most venues allow picnics. A family of four eating out at every venue adds up to hundreds over the week. Pack well and save the café treat for one special day.
Sun safety: Late May sun is stronger than people expect. Apply sunscreen to kids before you leave the house, bring hats, and make sure everyone drinks plenty of water — especially on South Downs walks where shade can be limited.
May half-term 2026 in West Sussex runs from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May. All prices and details were correct at the time of writing (February 2026). We recommend checking venue websites before visiting, as details can change. This guide will be updated with confirmed half-term events as they are announced.