Things To Do On Holiday In Chichester And Its Surrounds
14 March 2026
The 4 Cancer Group’s brand new luxury caravan is now operational at Haven Church Farm in Pagham (West Sussex). A stone’s throw from beautiful Chichester, this is the perfect spot for young families affected by cancer to have a much needed break.
Combining beautiful coastlines, historic cities, peaceful countryside and accessible family attractions, this incredible region provides both relaxation and gentle adventure. Within a short drive, families can explore vibrant seaside towns, medieval castles, wildlife reserves, award winning gardens and interactive museums, all within a safe and welcoming environment.
This ‘Guide’ has been put together to help families prepare for their respite holiday and plan the activities that they want to do when they are away.
Pagham (West Sussex)
Pagham is a historic coastal village in West Sussex, known for its significant Local Nature Reserve, which attracts migratory birds to its saltmarshes, lagoons, and shingle banks. Located near Bognor Regis, the village features a shingle beach and a 13th-century church. The natural rhythms of the tides, migrating birds and wide open landscapes provide a calming space where families can reconnect with nature.
Haven Church Farm
The charity’s fabulous caravan is located on Haven’s Church Farm holiday park, an AA ‘5 Gold Star’ award holiday park. This popular family holiday park provides a wide range of activities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, pedal karts, a 9-hole golf course, archery centre, crazy golf, tennis courts, children’s clubs, restaurants and evening entertainment. Close to Pagham Beach, it also sits next to Pagham Lagoon, Pagham Harbour and RSPB Pagham Nature Reserve. Church Farm offers the perfect balance between organised activities and peaceful surroundings.
Pagham Lagoon
Pagham Lagoon, located on the edge of the Pagham Harbour is a tranquil, non-tidal, and sheltered inland lake on the edge of Haven Church Farm, offering a scenic 3.2 km circular walking route and serving as a haven for birdwatching. Pagham Lagoon Sailing offers sailing experiences and courses between the months of June and September.
PSPB Pagham Nature Reserve
Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, protected by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), is an internationally important, 1,450-acre nature reserve featuring tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, lagoons and reedbeds. It is an important haven for a wide range of wildlife including migrant birds, ducks, geese, waders, butterflies, dragonflies, lizards and much more! Open year-round with its own visitor facilities, the centre offers a wide range of events and activities for families including wildlife painting / photography workshops, pond dipping, bird watching, mudsifting, bug hunting, seashore safaris and guided walks.
Pagham Harbour
Pagham Harbour, which incorporates the RSPB Nature Reserve, is an internationally important wetland habitat where families can enjoy gentle water sports, birdwatching and peaceful walks. There are a number of popular walking routes around Pagham Harbour which are summarised on websites such as Komoot, The Outdoor Guide and The Ambling Path. We’d recommend a stop at the Crab & Lobster, a seafood focused gastro pub near Sidlesham Quay (2 miles from the caravan). Pagham Harbour is also a world famous location for canoeing and paddle boarding (at high tide). More information can be found on the Islandeering website.
Bognor Regis (5 miles, 12 minutes)
Recording over 1,700 hours of sunshine every year, Bognor Regis is officially Britain’s sunniest town. This quintessentially British seaside resort, famed for its patronage by King George V, continues to attract families to its quiet beaches and numerous seaside attractions.
Butlin’s Bognor Regis
Families visiting 4 Cancer’s caravan at Haven Church Farm are able to visit Butlins Bognor Regis for a day. With day passes starting at £18 per adult and £10 for children (kids under two go free), day visitors can access all of the resort’s many attractions, live shows and restaurants. The highlights are the £40 million water park and the £15 million Playxperience offering digital versions of family favourites like darts and crazy golf.
Hotham Park
Hotham Park in Bognor Regis is a 22 acre historic green space established by Sir Richard Hotham in the late 18th century. It features stunning mature trees, a boating lake, a 1Km miniature railway, a fantastic adventure golf course, a lovely café and a children’s play area.
Bognor Crazy Golf
Bognor Regis has not one but two different crazy golf courses which are always a hit whatever the weather. The seafront mini golf in Bognor Regis is located in Waterloo Square opposite the pier where you can enjoy 18 holes of crazy golf in beautifly kepts gardens. It is loved by all age groups.
Chichester (6 miles, 15 minutes)
Just a short drive from Pagham, Chichester is a compact and charming cathedral city with a relaxed atmosphere, pedestrian-friendly streets and an abundance of family-friendly attractions.
Chichester Cathedral
Founded in the 11th century, Chichester Cathedral is one of England’s most distinctive cathedrals, with an 84 metre (277 foot) tall spire visible from miles around. Inside, families can explore beautiful medieval architecture, art installations and historic tombs. The cathedral often hosts family activities, concerts and exhibitions too. Be sure to visit Bishop’s Palace Gardens which are hidden behind the cathedral (one of the city’s hidden gems). These peaceful gardens provide a quiet place for families to relax among flowers, lawns and historic walls.
Priory Park
Located beside the medieval city walls, Priory Park is a spacious green area perfect for picnics, children’s play and relaxed walks. The park contains the historic Guildhall and the remains of Chichester Castle, making it a lovely blend of history and open space for families. There is a good children’s playground, a fantastic café called Fenwicks and a historic City Walls Trail to explore.
The Novium Museum
Built above the remains of a Roman bathhouse, The Novium Museum tells the story of Chichester’s Roman origins through interactive exhibits and family-friendly displays. This award-winning museum, located in the heart of the city centre, tells the fascinating story of Chichester and its rich heritage. With more than 500,000 artefacts within the collection, history buffs will be in their element here.
Chichester Cineworld & Bowling
In inclement weather, Chichester has an excellent cinema complex, bowling alley and laser tag arena in which your little ones can run amok! The complex is also near to the Chichester Ship Canal which is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
Flip Out Chichester
Flip Out is a large indoor trampoline and activity centre designed for energetic family fun. Children can bounce across interconnected trampolines, tackle foam pits, climbing walls and ninja-style obstacle courses. For families with children who need to burn off energy, this safe and supervised environment offers a joyful and active experience.
Chichester Adventure Golf
Located close to Pagham, the Jungle Paradise adventure golf course at Chichester Golf Club is considered one of the best in the UK. Best described as Crazy Golf’s mad cousin, this incredible course has waterfalls cutting across holes, rivers disturbing your ball, palm trees to traverse and Lions to sneak around! With both an outdoor and an ultraviolet lit indoor course available, there is also a foot golf course and a golf driving range.
Chichester Watersports
Located on a 40 acre lake, this incredible watersports centre offers a large inflatable aqua park with a range of obstacles and slides to navigate (one of the largest in the UK). Chichester Watersports also offers other ativities such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, paddleboarding and kayaking. For beginners and families, introductory sessions allow children to try water-based activities in a safe environment.
Tangmere Aviation Museum
Tangmere Aviation Museum celebrates Britain’s aviation history and the role of RAF Tangmere during the Second World War. Families can see historic aircraft, flight simulators and exhibits about famous pilots and aviation technology. The museum offers an exciting experience for children interested in aircraft and engineering.
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Fishbourne Roman Palace is one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Britain and lies just outside Chichester. The site features beautifully preserved Roman mosaic floors, reconstructed gardens, and interactive exhibits that bring Roman life back to life. Children will enjoy the discovery trails and the opportunities to learn how the Romans lived, cooked and built their homes. The surrounding gardens also provide a calm and spacious environment for families to explore.
South Downs National Park (8 Miles – 20 Minutes)
At its nearest point, Pagham lies just 8 miles from the South Downs National Park boundary at Lavant. England’s newest national park, the South Downs National Park covers an area of 1,627 square kilometres (628 square miles) stretching for 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. The South Downs Way spans the entire length of the park and is the only National Trail that lies wholly within a national park.
Our favourite walks nearby Pagham include the fabulous Halnaker Windmill Circular Trail (6.3 km long) which incorporates a stunning tree tunnel section. Other highlights include the Harting Down to Beacon Hill circular walk which starts from the National Trust car park at Harting Down. A stop at Queen Elizabeth Country Park is also a good idea if you are passing Petersfield.
Goodwood (8 Miles – 19 Minutes)
Owned by Charles Gordon-Lennox, the 11th Duke of Richmond, the Goodwood Estate is home to a WW2 aerodrome and Spitfire flying experience centre, a famed motor racing circuit offering track days, a legendary horse racing track, two 18-hole golf courses and a stately home (Goodwood House). World famous events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival, Qatar Goodwood Festival and Goodwoof all take place within this incredible countryside setting.
West Wittering (11 miles, 20 minutes)
One of the UK’s finest sand beaches, West Wittering is situated on Chichester Harbour, which is a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Well-known for its excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, the beach is managed by the National Trust. The dunes at East Head are designated as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ due to its rare habitats and wildlife. West Wittering is considered to be one of the best beaches in the UK for swimming due to its clean water and gently sloping shoreline.
West Dean (11 Miles – 29 Minutes)
Nestled in the South Downs National Park just north of Chichester, West Dean offers some of the South’s most beautiful gardens and countryside walks.
West Dean Gardens
Spread across the extensive grounds of a former stately home, West Dean features Victorian glasshouses, an Edwardian pergola, walled kitchen gardens and a fantastic café/restaurant. The gardens provide a relaxing environment where families can wander and enjoy nature. The former house is now home to West Dean College which hosts art exhibitions, workshops and other events throughout the year. The annual Chilli Fiesta is now a famous event worldwide!
Weald & Downland Living Museum
The Weald & Downland Living Museum is one of the region’s most engaging family attractions, set within the beautiful South Downs countryside near Singleton. This open-air museum spans around 40 acres and contains more than 50 historic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century, carefully reconstructed to show how people once lived and worked. Families can explore Tudor kitchens, working mills, historic farmhouses and craft workshops, often with live demonstrations such as blacksmithing, baking and traditional farming. Seasonal activities, trails and hands-on experiences make the museum especially enjoyable for children.
Littlehampton (12 Miles – 28 Minutes)
The small seaside town of Littlehampton is going through a significant transformation at the moment with investment in a new ‘Seafront Design Scheme’ aimed at boosting tourism.
The West Green
The newly transformed West Green on Littlehampton seafront was unveiled in 2025 to much fanfare. Families will enjoy the new water play area and the numerous activity zones which feature climbing walls, sand play, volleyball, pétanque and a basketball court. There are also picnic lawns, BBQ areas, hammocks, and shaded pergolas.
Harbour Park
Harbour Park is Littlehampton very own theme park! Dimunitive in size, this little theme park packs a lot into a very small space. With over 17 rides and attractions, there’s sure to be something for everyone! With a log flume ride, a small roller coaster, dodgems and bumper boats your little ones are sure to have a great time!
Arundel (15 Miles – 20 Minutes)
Arundel is a picturesque, historic market town in West Sussex, dominated by the majestic 11th-century Arundel Castle and the stunning Arundel Cathedral. Nestled on the River Arun, it offers independent boutique shopping, quaint tea rooms and a thriving art scene.
Arundel Castle
One of England’s most impressive castles, Arundel Castle features grand interiors, towers and extensive gardens. Children will enjoy exploring the battlements and learning about knights and medieval life! Commanding a hilltop position with stunning views of the South Downs, it’s the sort of place where you can happily spend the whole day.
Arundel Cathedral
Steeped in history, this small but incredible cathredral is ranked by The Times in its Top Seven cathedrals in the UK. Commanding superb views across Arundel and West Sussex, Arundel Cathedral is widely admired for its stunning French Gothic Revival architecture and stone vaulted ceilings.
Swanbourne Lake
Swanbourne Lake, located close to Arundel Castle, is a picturesque lake derived from an 11th-century millpond. Fed by groundwater springs, it offers scenic walking paths, boat hire and a cafe at Swanbourne Lodge. The area is very popular for wildlife spotting and short, accessible / circular walks.
Arundel Wetland Centre
Run by WWT, the wetland charity, this 65 acre nature reserve allows families to observe rare birds, take boat safaris and follow discovery trails through the wetlands. With eight wildlife hides situated across the site, visitors to the Arundel Wetland Centre can enjoy close up views of wildlife including nesting kingfishers and sand martins in spring.
The River Arun
The River Arun offers a wide variety of activities for visiting families. The gentle riverside paths provide accessible walks through the countryside and are ideal for relaxed family outings. You can also hire bikes to explore many of the riverside paths (pedal bikes and e-bikes). We particularly love the self-drive boats available for hire from Riverside South Downs Boat Hire (each boat can accommodate up to six people).
Black Rabbit Pub
One of our favourite local pubs, the Black Rabbit is perched on the banks of the River Arun and is close to the Arundel Wetland Centre. It is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and a spot of lunch on a sunny day thanks to its incredible vantage point with views across the wetlands and towards Arundel Castle.
Staunton Farm (18 Miles – 30 Minutes)
Situated just north of Portsmouth, Staunton Farm will be a massive hit with the little people in your family. Built on the grounds of the former stately home (Leigh Park), Staunton Farm is home to a wide variety of animals (including cows, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas and alpacas). Animal feed is available to purchase at the main reception, allowing visitors to feed many of the animals. With so much on offer, you can easily spend a day here. Be sure to explore the walled garden, the Victorian glasshouse and the wider Country Park (located just across the road from the main car park).
Portsmouth (22 Miles – 30 Minutes)
Just 30 minutes from Chichester by car, Portsmouth offers a diverse range of exciting attractions for children and adults alike. With a rich maritime heritage, this historic island city (located on Portsea Island) is known as the home of the Royal Navy. With a fascinating mix of museums, historic fortifications and four miles of beautiful beaches, this incredible city has something for everyone.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Home to world-famous ships such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS Alliance and Henry VIII’s Mary Rose, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers immersive exhibitions and hands-on history experiences. Children can explore historic vessels, naval museums and the many interactive displays. You can also take a sightseeing cruise around the harbour for unparalleled views of the modern frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers that call Portsmouth home.
Spinnaker Tower & Gunwharf Quays
One of the tallest buildings in the UK, the 170-metre Spinnaker Tower offers breathtaking views across Portsmouth Harbour, the Isle of Wight and the Solent. The glass floored viewing deck is a memorable experience for visitors of all ages! The Spinnker Tower is nestled in the centre of Gunwharf Quays, a historic naval site which has been redevelopment into an outlet shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex which is very close to the Historic Dockyard.
Southsea Seafront
Southsea Seafront features a beautiful four mile long promenade stretching from historic Old Portsmouth to Eastney. The long promenade, amusement arcades, and seaside parks make Southsea a classic British family day out. It features expansive, open-access shingle beaches, the historic Southsea Common and iconic attractions like Clarence Esplanade, The D-Day Museum, Southsea Castle and South Parade Pier.
Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle was built by Henry VIII to defend England’s south coast. Today it offers an interesting mix of history and seaside views, with exhibitions explaining the castle’s role in coastal defence. The surrounding Southsea seafront also includes gardens, playgrounds and open spaces where families can relax after exploring the castle.
D-Day Story Museum
The D-Day Story Museum tells the story of the Normandy landings of June 1944 through personal accounts, artefacts, and engaging multimedia displays. The museum features the last surviving WWII Landing Craft Tank (LCT 7074), a 59 metre (192 foot) vessel which played an active part in the landings.
Exploria Portsmouth
Locared near to Southsea Castle and the D-Day Museum, Exploria is an immersive experience venue offering three interactive zones for children of different ages. The Junior Play Zone is Ideal for 5–12 year olds, with climbs, slides and ball pits for budding explorers. There is also a Bounce Activity Zone for children aged 5 plus. For smaller children, the Baby & Toddler zone delivers all the fun and wonder of Exploria but safely downsized!
Petworth (19 Miles – 35 Minutes)
Petworth is a famous town in West Sussex and home to the 700-acre National Trust owned Petworth House and Country Park. This pretty town has also built a reputation as a hub for antiques with over 30 dealers plying their wares. Petworth offers a “posh” yet cozy experience with a wide variety of boutiques, coffee ships and pubs. It is often cited as one of the best places to live or visit in England.
Petworth House & Country Park
Still lived in by Lord and Lady Egremont (in a private part of the house), the main house and extensive parkland are owned and managed by the National Trust. Petworth House holds one of the finest art collections in Britain (with over 9,000 items), including masterpieces by Turner, Titian and Van Dyck. The main draw for many visitors are the extensive grounds though which are home to cira 1,000 free roaming fallow deer. Visitors can walk freely amongst them and also take tours of the house and ancient kitchens.
Petersfield (22 Miles – 45 Minutes)
This famous market town located 20 miles North of Chichester has a rich farming history and a range of attractions which will be of interest to families. These include Sky Park Farm, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Petersfield Lake and the town’s Physic Garden.
Sky Park Farm
Located just outside Petersfield, Sky Park Farm is a unique countryside attraction centred around a working deer farm. With a wide variety of different deer species from Red Deer to Sika, many of the deer will gladly feed from your hand (tempted by the grass pellets sold in the shop). There is also a fantastic adventure playground on-site, a cafe, restaurant and a farm shop. The owners also organise a range of events throughout the year including talks and shows for youngsters of all ages.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
If you are passing near Petersfield, you may also want to stop at Queen Elizabeth Country Park to access the many prepared mountain bike trails or to tackle Butser Hill (the highest peak in the South Downs National Park at 271 metres (889 feet) tall.
Brighton (36 Miles – 60 Minutes)
Brighton is one of the UK’s most vibrant seaside cities, offering a lively contrast to the quieter West Sussex coast. Come rain or shine, Brighton has a whole string of attractions which the whole family will enjoy.
Brighton Palace Pier
Opened in 1899, this iconic pier features roller coaster rides, amusement arcades, food stalls and traditional seaside attractions. The Brighton Palace Pier is a lively destination where children can enjoy classic fairground entertainment.
SEA LIFE Brighton
The oldest aquarium in the world, SEA LIFE Brighton allows children to see sharks, rays and ancient sea turtles up close. Located directly on the seafront, it features a 750,000-litre “Day & Night” ocean display, a mesmerizing walkthrough tunnel and intimate interactive rock pools.
Brighton i360 Tower
Brighton i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower, located on Brighton’s seafront, offering 360-degree views from a glass pod that glides to 138 metres (450 feet) in the sky! Designed by the creators of the London Eye, it features the “360 Sky Bar,” a gift shop, and a café at ground level, with ‘flights’ lasting approximately 30 minutes.
The Upside Down House
The Upside Down House on Brighton seafront is a popular, quirky family attraction where everything is inverted! This mind bending attraction allows visitors to take gravity-defying, social-media-worthy photos in an upside down kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. It is highly rated for being a fun and interactive experience. Though only small it is guaranteed to create large smiles!
Brighton Zip Wire
The longest dual zip-wire in the South of the UK, Brighton Zip is a 300-metre experience on Brighton Beach that has won much acclaim since its creation in 2017. Open to people above 1.3m who are wearing covered toe shoes, this is one experience which thrill seekers will love!
Winchester (48 Miles – 60 Minutes)
Winchester served as the principal city and royal seat of England from the 9th century, particularly under Alfred the Great, until the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is also home to King Arthur’s Round Table, a 13th-century wooden artifact hanging in the Great Hall of Winchester Castle.
Winchester Science Centre
Winchester Science Centre is a multi award winning hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) attraction in Hampshire. Ideal for families with children aged 3–12, it features two floors of interactive exhibits including a giant guitar and space zone. The centre also houses the UK’s largest standalone planetarium and stages explosive live science shows.
Watercress Line
The Watercress Line (Mid Hants Railway) is a world-famous 10-mile heritage steam railway in Hampshire, running between Alresford and Alton. Famous for transporting watercress to London, this preserved railway features restored railway stations from the age of steam and many preserved steam locomotives including the Flying Scotsman! The railway stages numerous family events throughout the year including a Thomas the Tank Engine experience where children can meet Thomas in person.
The Isle of Wight (35 Miles – 90 Minutes)
A memorable excursion from the Chichester area is a day trip to the Isle of Wight, accessible from nearby Portsmouth. The island offers a wealth of family attractions including sandy beaches, dinosaur museums, adventure parks and scenic countryside. Although it is possible to take your car to the island on the car ferry and then explore the island, our advice would be to take the hovercraft from Southsea (Portsmouth) to Ryde.
The Southsea to Ryde route is the only scheduled passenger hovercraft service left in the world. Twice an hour, it skims across the Solent in just 10 minutes! It is a truly remarkable experience and one that every member of your family will never forget. When asked how you travelled to the island, you can simply reply “we flew!”
Whilst the hovercraft service is only for foot passengers, the service connects seamlessly to the island’s transport network. However, Ryde is a fantastic tourist destination in itself thanks to its glorious sandy beaches. With a range of independent eateries plus traditional seaside entertainment, Ryde offers a quintessential seaside town experience.
