Easter in Chichester: Family Trails, Creative Activities and Spring Days Out
Looking for things to do in Chichester this Easter? From family trails and museum adventures to creative workshops, spring walks and family-friendly dining, Easter in Chichester offers plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable family day out in the city centre.
Stories are everywhere in Chichester this Easter. The BFG is on stage at Chichester Festival Theatre, colourful dream jars have appeared across the city centre for a giant-inspired BFG family trail, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant has taken over The Novium Museum, and Chichester Cinema is screening the magical new film adaptation of The Magic Faraway Tree.
Together they create the perfect setting for Chichester’s Go All In National Year of Reading campaign.
From trails and museum activities to craft sessions and places to eat with kids, here are some of the best Easter holiday activities in Chichester.
Follow the BFG Family Trail Across Chichester
One of the most exciting Easter activities in Chichester for families is the BFG Family Trail, created by Chichester BID and Chichester Festival Theatre.
Running from 28 March to 11 April, colourful dream jars have appeared in shop windows across Chichester city centre, including:
Each jar features one of Roald Dahl’s playful ‘gobblefunk’ words with a hidden letter. Families can collect the letters as they explore and unscramble them to reveal the final word.
Complete the trail and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Chichester Festival Theatre voucher and goodie bag, with runner-up prizes of Roald Dahl books provided by Children’s BookFest.
Trail maps can be collected from the Festival Theatre Box Office or participating businesses. You can also download a copy here.
Discover Family Activities at Chichester Museums and Galleries
For families looking for indoor Easter activities in Chichester, the city’s museums and galleries offer plenty of inspiration.
At The Novium Museum, the Elmer and Friends Easter Egg Hunt runs from 28 March to 11 April. Children explore the museum searching for hidden Elmer characters before cracking a code to claim their prize.
Nearby, Pallant House Gallery is hosting Bunnies Galore, a creative drop-in activity inspired by the classic children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit. Families can create their own Easter-themed bunny artwork to take home.
These activities combine storytelling, creativity and discovery, making them perfect for the Easter holidays in Chichester.
Easter Craft Activities in Chichester City Centre
If your children love making things, there are plenty of creative Easter activities for kids in Chichester.
At Jam Café on South Street, Creative Beatz Craft Club is hosting seasonal workshops where children can make Easter bonnets and colourful garlands.
Another popular creative stop is Peppy’s Beads on East Gate Square, where children can design bracelets with Easter-themed charms in fun hands-on craft sessions.
Families can also stock up on creative supplies at The Works on North Street, which offers Easter craft kits, colouring sets and activity books.
These creative activities make a great addition to a family day out in Chichester city centre.
Family-Friendly Easter Dining in Chichester
Exploring the city works up an appetite, and there are plenty of family-friendly places to eat in Chichester during the Easter holidays.
Many cafés and restaurants offer kids eat free Easter deals, making it easier for families to enjoy lunch or dinner together after exploring the shops and attractions.
From relaxed brunch cafés to casual restaurants, Chichester city centre dining provides plenty of options for a convenient family break during your Easter visit.
Spring Walks Around Chichester
A spring walk in Chichester is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the Easter holidays.
The historic Chichester City Walls provide a scenic circular route with views across the city.
Nearby, Priory Park is perfect for a family stroll or playground stop, while Bishop’s Palace Gardens offers a quieter space filled with early spring flowers.
For family treats along the way:
Shake‑a‑Delic for pizza, milkshakes and ice cream
The Entertainer and Kids Stuff Toys for toys
Whirligig Toyshop for puzzles and games
The Sweet Jar for traditional sweets
Rainy Day Activities in Chichester This Easter
Spring weather can be unpredictable, but there are plenty of indoor things to do in Chichester with kids.
Chichester Cinema is screening The Magic Faraway Tree from 3–9 April, with two daily showings.
Based on the beloved 1943 children’s story by Enid Blyton, the film follows a modern family who discover a magical tree filled with curious characters and unexpected adventures.
If the rain arrives, you can also take refuge in welcoming indoor spaces such as Chichester Cathedral, the library, cafés or museums.
Things for Older Kids and Teens in Chichester
Chichester also offers plenty of activities for teenagers and older kids.
They might enjoy browsing graphic novels and board games at Comics Games & Coffee, shopping vintage fashion at Vintro or Cherry Vintage, or grabbing bubble tea at Meowko.
Sports and gaming fans can visit Sports Direct, CeX or ESP while food lovers can head to The Ghost at the Feast food hall on North Street where variety of street food is on offer.
Continue Arcades is opening in time for Easter at 19 Southgate – a free-play gaming venue packed with retro arcade classics, pinball machines, console gaming and crowd favourites like air hockey, shuffleboard, basketball hoops and pool tables.
Plan Your Easter Day Out in Chichester
Whether you’re following the BFG Family Trail, exploring The Novium Museum, enjoying a craft activity or taking a spring walk around Chichester, Easter is a wonderful time to visit the city.
Discover more events and activities in Chichester city centre here.