Half Term in Chichester

One of the biggest draws of half term in Chichester is how much there is to enjoy for free.

Start with a walk around the historic Chichester city walls, where children can explore gardens, grassy banks and hidden corners. Stop off at Priory Park, home to a popular castle-themed playground inspired by the site’s Norman history.

For indoor activities, Chichester Library on Tower Street is ideal on colder days, with a newly refreshed children’s area for reading, browsing books or listening to stories. Nearby, The Novium Museum offers free entry to its main galleries, perfect for introducing children to Chichester’s Roman past.

Turn your walk back into town into a game by spotting street art along side streets, before finishing with a run-around or a game of hide and seek in Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

Half term doesn’t have to be packed with activities. Sometimes the best moments come from slowing down together over hot chocolate, cake or pizza.

South Street is full of family-friendly cafés, including local favourites Shake-a-Delic, The Fat Fig and Jam Café. At the opposite end of the city on North Street, the new art café Strobilus offers a creative twist on a cosy coffee stop, while Café Paradiso is a hit with families thanks to its enclosed garden space.

During February half term, Chichester city centre comes alive with workshops and events for families.

At Chichester Cathedral, families can join Weave Together on Saturday 14 February – a hands-on weaving workshop inspired by one of the Cathedral’s most celebrated artworks.

On 18 February, Pallant House Gallery hosts Create Your Own Pantomime Scene, a theatre-in-a-box workshop for children aged 7+ and 11+, inspired by classic stories such as Peter Pan and Cinderella.

For a relaxed cinema outing, Chichester Cinema at New Park is screening The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants on 17 and 19 February.

Meanwhile, Jam Café is running Clay Creatures workshops throughout half term, and The Novium Museum is hosting community art workshops ahead of its upcoming Elmer and Friends exhibition.

A highlight of the week is the Laser Show Extravaganza at Chichester Canal Basin, taking place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February.

Families can enjoy three themed laser light shows each evening, choreographed to music, with performances at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, each lasting around 20 minutes.

After the show, it’s an easy five-minute walk back into the city centre for dinner. Choose from family favourites such as Burgover, Wagamama or PizzaExpress, and keep an eye out for half term dining deals, with many restaurants offering free kids’ meals.

Creativity doesn’t stop when the workshops end. Picking up supplies from Peppy Beads, Clothkits or The Works can inspire a relaxed afternoon of crafting at home – a perfect way to wind down after a day in the city.