Things To Do In West Sussex

Beach Days

Sand dunes in West Sussex

West Wittering

West Wittering Beach, located less than 10 miles from the vibrant city of Chichester, is known for its clear water, shallow lagoons and colourful beach huts set against the sand dunes. At low tide the vast sandy beach is perfect for sandcastles or a game of bat and ball, or take advantage of the gently sloping shoreline and calm waters and enjoy a dip in the sea. The beach is also a hub for watersports such as paddleboarding, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 2XS offers tuition and equipment hire or bring your own and simply head for the sea. If you want to stretch your legs enjoy a leisurely stroll around the East Head sand dunes and salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife as well as the spectacular coastal views. The beach front café is the perfect spot for a hearty portion of fish and chips or head to the surf themed Drift-In Surf Café in East Wittering for a freshly squeezed juice, organic coffee and pancake.

Bracklesham Bay

Just a few miles east of West Whittering, Bracklesham Bay is a great spot for fossil hunting. Keep an eye out for shark and ray teeth from the Eocene epoch which are often washed up on the shore. Due to the consistent winds and shallow waters it is also a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding. Catch some waves with the Beach Bracklesham Surf Club located right on the beachfront, or Surfs SUP Watersports specialises in stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and wing foiling. At low tide you can walk west along the shore to the beaches at East and West Wittering or head east towards the Medmerry Nature Reserve.

Bognor Regis

For a traditional seaside resort with a choice of beaches, amusements options, a Victorian pier and easy access to local amenities head to Bognor Regis. The beaches, a mixture of sand and single, offer safe swimming and paddling and have seasonal lifeguards making them a popular choice for families. East Beach is the closest to the town centre. Aldwick Beach is a quieter alternative located to the west of town and Felpham Beach, known for its blue and yellow beach huts, is popular for windsurfing. The beaches are all connected by a flat promenade with a land train running up and down during the summer months. Enjoy mini golf, an amusement park and arcades. Kids will love the ‘Beach on the Beach’ giant sandpit and water sports enthusiasts can hire paddleboards.

Littlehampton West

Located just 20 minutes east of Bognor Regis, Littlehampton West Beach is a quieter spot located on the opposite side of the River Arun. The beach is a mixture of pebbles with fine sand and shallow waters as the tide goes out. As a designated Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it is a great spot for peaceful walks and fossil hunting. Dogs are welcome all year round. You can book a kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson with The Beach Watersports, or enjoy local sourced food at the dog friendly West Beach Café.

Short break ideas

The South Downs

Chichester

The historic cathedral city of Chichester offers a great mix of history, culture and shopping. The Roman City Walls feature remains of the original 3rd century defence walls whilst the 900 year old cathedral offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and bold contemporary art. Sitting just a mile and a half outside the city the Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens is the largest Roman home in Britain, featuring over 20 original mosaics and recreated formal gardens. When you are done with exploring the Roman history why not see a show at the theatre or browse the independent shops. The Bishops Palace Garden is a nice spot for a walk, or hire a rowing boat on the canal.

Arundel

Arundel, sitting on the edge of the South Downs National Park, is a great destination for antique shops, independent galleries and well-preserved medieval architecture. It’s skyline is dominated by the impressive Arundel Castle and French-Gothic Cathedral. The Castle offers a fascinating blend of ancient defences with Victorian opulence. Be wowed by the grand Victorian Baron’s Hall with its stained glass windows and enormous fireplaces, view the luxurious state bedrooms and explore the beautifully curated gardens. For a change of scenery visit the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre where you can take a boat safari and spot kingfishers, or enjoy a scenic walk along the River Arun.

Go to the Beach

The West Sussex coast stretches approximately 50 miles along the English Channel, offering a mix of beaches, traditional Victorian seaside towns and nature reserves. Experience a bucket and spade day by the sea in the coastal resorts of Bognor Regis or Worthing. Walk along the promenades, explore the traditional piers and try your luck at the amusement arcades. For a more peaceful spot head to the unspoilt Climping Beach where dogs are welcome all year round. Or for stunning coastal vistas take a stroll along a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path. There are numerous places along the coast to have a go at watersports, with tuition and equipment hire available for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding.

South Downs

Don’t forget to pack your walking boots as the varied landscape in the South Downs National Park is a fantastic place to go walking. Explore the ancient yew forests of Kingley Vale or marvel at the 360-degree views at Chanctonbury Ring. There are also several circular routes starting in the historic villages of Amberley and Washington. The 11 miles Amberley and Bignor Hill circular walk is a classic full day hike or the 5 mile Washington to Sullington Circular is a varied walk heading west along the ridge. The South Downs is also a popular spot for mountain biking, and horse riding. You will find Riverside South Downs Bike Hire at Amberley Station and Arundel Riding Centre offers hacking for experienced riders.

Adventure Days

Chichester, West Sussex

High Ropes Adventures

Fly high above the sky on one of the high ropes adventure courses in West Sussex. Go Ape Crawley, located in Tilgate Park, has a choice of treetop challengers and you can also hire a boat or go for a cycle around the park. If the weather is not on your side, Out of Bounds is a fantastic place to burn off some energy. As well as a dedicated high ropes course you can enjoy adventure nets, clip and climb, adventure golf, jumping pillows and laser tag. Lodge Hill Centre, an inclusive outdoor education and adventure for all ages and abilities, offers zip lining, abseiling and climbing, as well as archery and Go Karting.

Water-based adventures

From coastal activities to inland waterways and reservoirs, there are plenty of water based thrills to enjoy in West Sussex. The Aqua park at Chichester Watersports features climbing walls and slides, or have a go at wakeboarding, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. If you fancy catching some wind and waves head to East Wittering or Bracklesham Bay – both fantastic spots for kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and winging. Hire kayaks, canoes, pedalos or rowing boats at Tilgate Park Watersports in Crawley or Southwater Country Park near Horsham. For something a little different you can enjoy a starry night paddle as you meander along the River Arun with Pulborough Puddles.

Off road adventures

West Sussex offers diverse off-road adventures, ranging from 4x4 experiences to rugged buggy tracks. Put your driver skills to the test at Goodwood Motor Circuit where you can head off-road in a classic Land Rover as you navigate bumpy tracks and challenging drops. Or head to Leisure Pursuits for a selection of off-road challenges around their 20 acre site. If you feel the need for speed Forster Racing School is the fastest rally school in the UK. You won’t be disappointed driving these professional Rage Buggies where you can go from 0-60 in under 4 seconds on their dedicated off-road tracks. If you are after something very slightly more sedate you can enjoy a quad bike safari tour around the farm.

Mountain biking

From the hilly Steyning Trails to the rolling routes along the South Downs Way there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about on your bike when on holiday in West Sussex. The Steyning Mountain Bike Trails, built by local bikers, features a mixture of blue, red and purple runs, as well as sizable jumps and the ‘Stenning bowl’. Or for those who prefer longer off-road rides, the South Downs Way offers steep climbs, fast and flowing descents, and stunning coastal views over nearly 100 miles. If you fancy tackling the whole route this will take 2 to 3 days, or pick a shorter section. If you prefer a loop that starts and finishes in the same place the Amberley & Bignor Hill Circular is a great choice and you will also find plenty of watering holes along the way!

Lazy Days

Amberley, West Sussex

Quiet Village days

Get off the beaten track and explore the ‘olde worlde’ charm of West Sussex’s village life. The chocolate box village of Amberley, sitting within the South Downs National Park, is famous for its thatched cottages, flint-walled cottages and winding medieval lanes. Go for afternoon tea at Amberley Castle, admire the displays at Amberley Village Pottery or visit the nature reserve at Amberley Wildbrooks. The quintessential village of Lurgshall, centred around a village green and cricket pitch, is also a charming spot to visit. Enjoy a gentle stroll before hunkering down in The Noah’s Ark Inn for a long lazy lunch.

Slindon Forest

Enjoy a relaxing woodland stroll through Slindon Forest which sits within the Slindon Estate at the southern tip of the National Park. Be captivated by the carpet of bluebells in Spring or enjoy the panoramic views from the Nore Folly. There is an easy, family friendly 3 mile circular walk through the medieval deer park and village where you can indulge in a coffee and cake at the community-run café whilst you soak up the village atmosphere. At the end of the day head home via Bignor Hill where you can enjoy the sunset. It is only a 10 minute gentle stroll to the top from the carpark where you can enjoy 360-degree views. On clear evenings, you can sometimes see as far as the Isle of Wight.

Enjoy a leisurely picnic

For the ultimate lazy day why not pack a picnic hamper full of local goodies, choose a scenic spot and enjoy a long leisurely lunch. There are plenty of top picnic spots in West Sussex ranging from the rolling hills of the South Downs to peaceful coastal villages and country parks. The vast open spaces at Petworth Park are hard to beat for a relaxed afternoon. Or be rewarded by the fantastic panoramic views at Black Down, the highest point in West Sussex. In summer you can picnic next to the beautiful purple heather. West Wittering Beach offers a grassy area right next to the beach for picnicking, or the nature trails and petting zoo at Tilgate Park makes it an ideal spot for a full family day out.

Visit a vineyard

West Sussex is home to some of England's most prestigious vineyards so it would be rude not to visit one or two! Bolney Wine Estate is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in Britain. Enjoy a guided tour followed by lunch at the Eighteen Acre Restaurant. The Wiston Estate Winery and Chalk Restaurant near Pulborough also offers tours. For something a little different book on the Sundowner Safari that includes a tractor ride and dinner, or enjoy the seasonal menus at the Chalk Restaurant. Tinwood Estate is renowned for their sparkling wines. After your tour you can also indulge in an afternoon tea!