Fun for everyone this Easter in West Sussex

Spring is a fantastic time to explore West Sussex. From a gorgeous coastline and stunning countryside, to historic cities and picture-postcard villages, it’s the perfect season to discover everything this county has to offer. And with the Easter holidays just around the corner, we’ve put together a list of some of the fantastic events and activities happening in the area.

Activities for kids

Peter Rabbit is causing all kinds of mischief at the Woodland Wonders Forest School in Sussex Orchards near Fontwell. Children aged between 18 months and 8 years, together with their parents or carers, are welcome to join in with a variety of activities, such as making log bunnies, helping to prepare vegetables for the campfire soup and an Easter egg hunt, of course! Book your place for this wonderful event, happening on Sunday 2^nd April.

There’s more bunny spotting when you board a boat along Chichester Canal. Holiday-time boat trips run three times a day from Saturday 1st April to Monday 10th April. Tickets are £10, and include special Easter activities and refreshments.

Become a Duck Detective at Arundel Wetlands Centre over the Easter break. Follow the trail to crack the case and learn more about the great outdoors whilst you’re at it! You can also try pond dipping and take a boat ride through the wetlands.

Events for all the family

The Joy in Selsey is hosting a Sunday Funday event on Sunday 9^th April. The day kicks off with an Easter egg hunt and a kid’s entertainer, before the BBQ is fired up. There’s live music from 3pm, followed by some good old karaoke.

If you’re looking for something a bit different to do over the Bank Holiday, take a trip to Arundel Castle, where you’ll be transported back in time to 1216. You’ll have the chance to watch demonstrations of 13^th century combat and falconry, all whilst enjoying live music and taking part in activities like archery and various crafts. There’s no need to worry about going hungry either, as a feast will be served.

Petworth House and Park is situated in a beautiful 700-acre deer park and this year it has a range of special Easter activities to keep the whole family entertained. Puzzles, games and crafts will keep the kids busy, while an outside Easter egg trail gives you the chance to explore the Pleasure Gardens at Petworth.

Weald and Downland Museum in Chichester is hosting activities every day of the Easter holidays for children and adults of all ages to enjoy. Head to its website to keep updated and join in with the fun.

Stuff for the grownups!

Easter isn’t just for the kids. Some of us get to enjoy extended time off at this time of year, so here are a few events in West Sussex just for the grownups.

Easter goes hand-in-hand with sweet treats, so an evening of wine and chocolate pairing is a brilliantly adult way to enjoy the finer things in life! Hennings Wine and Montezuma's Chocolate will be hosting a wonderfully decadent event at the Chichester Festival Theatre on Thursday 6^th April.

If you’re looking to get a bit crafty, why not turn your hand to an Easter wreath table arrangement workshop? This floristry event, held at the Graylingwell Chapel in Chichester, will not only give you a chance to exercise your more creative side, but it will also yield the perfect table decoration for that all-important Easter Sunday lunch.

Finally, Fontwell Park Racecourse is holding a fun Easter event on Tuesday 4^th April. Afternoon Jump Racing is an exciting meeting for thoroughbred horses and there will be seven races throughout the day. Have a flutter, and enjoy some free events and activities on the side.