Easter is early this year on the 31st March, and Mothers Day is on the 10th March. Here are our pick of the Spring & Easter events near Chichester.
A peaceful bench at the top of Kingley Vale Nature Reserve
The Weald and Downland Museum - An Easter Egg Trail, folklore story telling, & children's craft. Set in the immersive museum that is home to The Repair Shop.
Petworth Spring Festival - The National Trust House and Gardens are surrounded by a huge parkland that is wonderful to visit at any time of year. Their Spring Festival has a rather tempting range of events, including foraging walks, creative workshops, craft, talks, an Easter Trail, and a freshly planted sea of daffodils.
A Boat Ride on Chichester Canal - An Easter Bunny boat ride for the children or a peaceful trip down the canal to enjoy the diverse wildlife, including kingfishers and herons. Trips tun three times a day and pre-booking is advised. Other special trips run, including afternoon tea on the canal and charter bookings. You can also hire rowing boats to pootle down the canal, or if you're feeling more adventurous rent a kayak or a paddle board.
Arundel Castle Medieval Festival - 12th century combat, falconry, axe throwing, archery, craft, and music are centre stage at this annual pageant. The castle gardens reopen at the end of March, visit in April for the fabulous tulip festival, it's a sight to behold!
Alpaca Experiences at Our Back Garden - Meet & walk a herd of Alpacas on a charming farm. Relax next to a chalk stream in the pop up cafe that serves delicious and nutritious food.
Visit Stansted House for free during the Easter Holidays and explore the stately home to try to discover the 12 hidden Easter eggs, and perhaps spot the Easter bunny hopping around. The yew maze and light railway are open at select times during the weekends and holidays. Finish off your visit with a scrumptious tea at the Pavilion cafe and restaurant.
West Dean Gardens looks rather beautiful at this time of year, with a riot of spring bulbs coming into flower. It's a special place to wander around. Over the Easter holidays there is a children's Easter trail, with a chocolate egg reward at the end, and craft activities.
Walking in the South Downs - Spend time in the South Downs and boost your physical and mental wellbeing as you reconnect with nature. There are wonderful spots to discover, a dew pond in the clouds for a canine cool down, quiet benches above the valleys where you can look down on birds of prey as they wheel around, and reviving ancient forests, carpeted with moss and filled with birdsong. Explore independently or let us know what you'd like to discover and we'll share our favourite spots with you. The Great Sussex Way have some fabulous routes detailed.
A dew pond with a bench and views out to Goodwood.
If you'd like an Easter Holiday spend time at Oakwood West Holidays in a beautiful West Sussex holiday cottage near Chichester and discover Easter and spring in West Sussex. Our cottages are dog friendly and each has a private hot tub and enclosed garden. Perfect for weekend breaks and family celebrations.