Looking for ways to keep the kids (and grown-ups!) happy this summer? Chichester’s city centre is packed with fun, free and family-friendly activities – with something for every age and every budget. Here are our top picks:
1. Climb the Cathedral Spire
Take your summer sightseeing to new heights with a tour up Chichester Cathedral’s Spire. The views across the city and down to the coast are unforgettable!
👉 Find out more
2. Follow the free Cathedral Family Trail
Join Wilfrid the Seal, the South Coast’s cutest tour guide, on an adventure through 950 years of history inside Chichester Cathedral.
👉 Trail details here
3. Walk the City’s historic trails
Discover Chichester’s story step-by-step with free downloadable maps for historic walks around the Roman walls, the four city gates and more.
4. Play in Priory Park
Bring a picnic and enjoy the newly refurbished play area in Priory Park – right beside the historic Guildhall and cricket pitch.
5. Explore modern art at Pallant House Gallery
Pop into one of the UK’s best small galleries and discover family-friendly exhibitions and drop-in activities all summer long.
👉 See what’s on
6. Relive your youth at the Shippams Exhibition
Head to The Novium Museum to explore the history of Shippams pastes (and plenty more!). Kids and grandparents alike will love the throwback.
👉 Visit the Novium
7. Get back-to-school ready
Tick off school shoes, haircuts, uniform and stationery in one trip – with plenty of independent and high-street shops around the city.
8. Crack the code on the Chichester 950 Trail
Follow the Chichester 950 Codebreaker Trail, spot the student-designed sculptures and collect the letters to reveal a secret word – with a chance to win a fantastic prize!
👉 Trail info
9. Get crafty at Jam Café
Join in with Jam Café’s Craft Club or book onto one of their popular holiday camps – creative, colourful and full of fun.
👉 See Jam Café’s events
10. Take advantage of ‘kids eat free’ deals
Plenty of city centre cafés and restaurants are offering ‘Kids eat free’ or ‘for £1’ this summer – great news for hungry explorers.
👉 View offers
11. Visit the newly refurbished Chichester Library
Step inside Chichester Library, now beautifully refreshed and perfect for families. Discover cosy corners, children’s reading zones and cool spaces to escape the summer heat.
👉 Library opening times
12. Have a picnic on the Cathedral Green
Sit back and relax in the heart of the city with a picnic on the Green – the perfect place to take a break between activities.
13. Wander through Bishop’s Palace Gardens
Tucked just behind the Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace Gardens are in full bloom and full of wildlife.
14. Kids cinema tickets for £2.50
Catch family favourites including How to Train your Dragon, on the big screen at Chichester Cinema at New Park, with special summer ticket prices just for kids.
👉 Book tickets
15. Enjoy a musical at Chichester Festival Theatre
See Top Hat in a matinee or evening performance at the magnificent Chichester Festival Theatre – big songs, big laughs and a tap-dancing treat for all ages.
👉 Book now
Bonus!
Don’t miss the Chichester Emergency Services and Community Day at Oaklands Park on Sunday 24 August, 10am to 4pm – fun displays, emergency vehicles, and interactive demos for curious kids.
👉 Event info