Family fun at Figgy Farm: 13 things to do in Sussex this half term
Looking for inspiration for things to do in Sussex with the family during the October half term? Here are a few of our favourite ideas to keep everyone entertained.
Spark your children's curiosity
Ignite your children's curiosity this half term and explore all that Chichester offers.
See the remains of a Roman bathhouse at the Novium Museum, alongside intricate mosaics dating from the 4th century AD. Admission is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Fishbourne Roman Palace is running a Roman Army Week from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, 10 am to 4 pm, and children can sign up as trainee soldiers and earn their day's pay with daily tasks, from writing their name in Roman letters to sword and shield practice and spear throwing. There's a pumpkin trail through the palace gardens too, and everything is included in general admission.
Explore the Manhood Peninsula
and cycling, big skies and a haven for wintering birds. Park at the RSPB Earnley car park (PO20 7JL) and head for the coast.
A few miles further on, RSPB Pagham Harbour has easy walking, birdwatching and a visitor centre at Sidlesham. Check the RSPB events page for half term activities before you go.
For a change of scene, hop aboard the solar-powered Solar Heritage for a 90-minute boat trip around Chichester Harbour, leaving from Itchenor. Seals are often spotted, there's a toilet on board, and there are special family-friendly 'Birds Ahoy' trips. Check dates and book ahead.
Wrap up warm for an autumn beach walk at Bracklesham Bay, East Wittering or Selsey, with kite flying and shell hunting on the sand and shingle. In Selsey, the mile of beach from East Beach car park to Selsey Bill finishes at the cafés, so there's a warming hot chocolate waiting at the end. Check tide times before you set off.
West Wittering Beach is open all year, and the winter hours of 7am to 6pm apply in half term. Parking is pre-paid, so book ahead if the weather looks good. Walk out to East Head, the National Trust's dune spit at the mouth of Chichester Harbour. Dogs are welcome everywhere on the beach from mid-September.
Halloween specials
There’s all kinds of ghoulish fun happening across Sussex. Here’s our pick of the best.
No pumpkin? No problem. Pick your own at Dell Quay PYO Pumpkins, which is free to enter and has free parking. There's a bale maze to get lost in, face painting and an activity tent, and no need to book. It's open on 17 and 18 October, then daily from 23 to 31 October.
Then, once it gets dark, head into Chichester to see the Cathedral lit up for Illuminating Art, its Light Experience, running from 23 to 31 October. Shows last 15 minutes and run between 5.15pm and 7.45pm, with times varying by day. Last year's sold out, so book ahead.
Rainy Day Family Fun
If the weather is wet, then have no fear; there's plenty of indoor things to do in and around Chichester.
Head to Flip Out trampoline park to burn off that excess energy. If you've got little ones, then Little Street Chichester is the perfect place to spark their imagination (it suits children up to seven, and sessions need to be booked).
Bond with all the family and encourage a little friendly competition with a game of ten-pin bowling, where there's laser tag and escape rooms too, or head to Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf for a round of golf.
Reminder: Half term runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Dates and prices can change, so check each venue's website before you set off.
Get together with all the family at Figgy Farm
Gather all the family for a celebration here at Figgy Farm. This bright and airy home was originally two buildings, a Grade II listed cart house and a thatched dairy barn. Today it is a beautiful rustic house that makes entertaining a breeze.
The open-plan living room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, is ideal for intimate gatherings. In the summer months, fold back the double doors and make the most of the idyllic countryside location.
Step outside and you’ll discover a private garden, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding farmland. Be tempted to dine al fresco. Figgy Farm offers a BBQ and a relaxing outdoor dining area to while away long evenings.
Figgy Farm is tucked away on the Manhood Peninsula. Just moments away, you can find the cathedral spires of Chichester, the beaches of East and West Wittering and the rolling hills of the South Downs. Enjoy no end of countryside walks and family-friendly pubs all from your doorstep.
