Families are invited to explore Chichester’s vibrant arts and cultural scene this summer with the launch of our free Family Art Trail across the city centre.
Running from 18 July to 1 September, we’ve created the art trail to celebrate a landmark year for the city’s cultural organisations, with major milestones including the 60th anniversary of John Piper’s iconic tapestry at Chichester Cathedral, the 50th anniversary of Oxmarket Contemporary and 20th anniversary of the award-winning Pallant House Gallery extension.
The trail encourages families to follow a colourful map through the city, visiting some of Chichester’s best-loved cultural venues, including the Cathedral, Pallant House Gallery and Oxmarket Contemporary, alongside independent galleries such as Graffiti Street and Artisan Gallery.
Suitable for all ages, the trail features fascinating facts, observations and questions to answer along the way, helping families uncover everything from contemporary street art and historic treasures to modern masterpieces and hidden creative gems.
Families can collect a printed trail from participating venues or download it from here. Completed entries will be entered into a prize draw to win a Chichester Monopoly board game, launched earlier this year.
As well as introducing families to the city’s arts and cultural offerings, the trail shines a spotlight on the many workshops, craft sessions and activities taking place throughout the summer holidays. The trail also showcases independent retailers such as Peppy Beads, Whirligig, Between The Lines and Winter’s Moon, which offer art materials, craft supplies and creative kits to inspire even more artistic adventures at home.
Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID, said:
“Our Family Art Trail is a fun and free way for families to spend time together while exploring Chichester’s fantastic arts and cultural offer.
“Whether you’re exploring contemporary street art, discovering historic treasures or stepping inside one of our fantastic galleries, there’s plenty to spark curiosity and creativity. We hope the trail encourages families to make the most of everything Chichester has to offer this summer, from its museums, galleries and workshops to getting creative at home with a model-making kit from Whirligig, a sewing project from Cloth Kits or jewellery-making supplies from Peppy Beads.”
The new Family Art Trail builds on the success of a previous art trail and has been refreshed for 2026 to celebrate the city’s cultural anniversaries while introducing a new generation of families to Chichester’s thriving arts scene.
The Family Art Trail is free to take part in and runs from 18 July to 1 September. Printed trail maps are available from participating venues or can be downloaded here.