Looking for inspiration for the October half term holidays in Chichester and the Witterings?
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit our little corner of West Sussex. The summer crowds have disappeared, the beaches are perfect for long walks, the countryside is transforming into beautiful shades of gold and orange, and there is plenty happening for families during the school holidays.
Whether you are staying in West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay or Selsey, there is no shortage of things to do. From free days at the beach and autumn walks to spooky Halloween events, museums, family attractions and indoor activities for those inevitable rainy days, October half term is a brilliant time for a family holiday in West Sussex.
To help you plan your stay, we have rounded up some of our favourite October half term activities in Chichester and the surrounding area.
Our favourite thing about an autumn holiday by the coast is that you don’t always need a big plan.
Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and head to the beach for a family walk. West Wittering and East Wittering are beautiful throughout the year, and October brings a completely different feel to the coastline.
Take a stroll along West Wittering Beach, search for shells, build a sandcastle, fly a kite or simply enjoy watching the waves roll in. If you are feeling energetic, continue your walk towards National Trust – East Head, where you can explore the dunes and enjoy views across Chichester Harbour.
Autumn beach days are perfect for finishing with a hot chocolate or a cosy lunch in one of the local cafés.
A visit to Chichester is always a great option during October half term.
Spend the morning exploring the historic streets, browsing the independent shops and stopping for coffee and cake before heading to the city’s green spaces and attractions.
Families can enjoy a walk around the historic city walls, explore the Cathedral area and spend some time at Priory Park, where children can enjoy the playground and burn off some energy.
The beautiful Bishop’s Palace Garden is also a lovely spot for an autumn walk and a peaceful break from the city centre.
Keep an eye on the Chichester District Council What’s On listings and local events calendar before your visit, as additional family activities, markets and seasonal events are often added throughout October.
For a brilliant family day out during October half term, head into the South Downs to the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
The open-air museum is always a fantastic place for families to explore, with historic buildings, beautiful countryside and plenty of space for children to discover.
For October half term 2026, the museum is hosting its Plagues & Potions event from 24 October to 1 November, with spooky crafts, historical activities, ghost stories and hands-on experiences inspired by medieval medicine and Halloween. It is a fun way to combine learning, history and a little bit of seasonal spookiness.
October half term wouldn’t be complete without a little Halloween fun!
The Chichester and West Sussex area usually has plenty of family-friendly Halloween activities, from pumpkin picking and spooky trails to craft sessions and seasonal events.
The Weald & Downland Living Museum has a dedicated Halloween event planned for 31 October, while local venues, farms and family attractions often announce their own pumpkin trails, Halloween workshops and spooky activities closer to the school holidays.
For families who enjoy something a little more unusual, why not explore Chichester’s historic streets after dark and discover some of the stories behind the city’s past?
Don’t pack away the beach bags just because summer has ended!
The Witterings and Bracklesham Bay are fantastic for autumn walks and family adventures. The beaches are generally quieter, making October a wonderful time to explore.
Head to the beach and challenge the children to an autumn beach scavenger hunt. Can they find:
You could even take a flask of hot chocolate and make an afternoon of it.
Just remember to check the tide times and always keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
Chichester Harbour is one of our favourite places to explore throughout the year either on land or on a boat trip with Chichester Harbour Water Tours.
Wrap up warm and enjoy a family walk along the water, watch the boats and look out for the many birds and wildlife that call the harbour home.
There are plenty of beautiful walks around Itchenor, Bosham and the Witterings, making this a great option for families, couples and guests holidaying with dogs.
For those looking for something more adventurous, Fluid Adventures Ltd offers a range of outdoor water-based experiences in the Chichester area, depending on the season and weather.
October is one of the best times of year to explore the countryside around Chichester.
The South Downs are right on our doorstep, offering family walks, bike trails, woodland adventures and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing autumn colours.
Head towards Singleton, Goodwood or the surrounding villages and enjoy a countryside walk before stopping somewhere for a cosy pub lunch.
Of course, October weather can be unpredictable, so it is always useful to have a few indoor activities up your sleeve!
For families with younger children, Little Street (Children’s Role Play) offers imaginative play in a child-sized village setting.
Older children and teenagers may enjoy testing their problem-solving skills at Houdini’s Escape Room Experience – Chichester, where families can work together to solve puzzles and complete their escape.
For something completely different, look out for public events and shows at South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre.
These are great options to keep in mind if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
For a peaceful afternoon, head to Chichester Ship Canal.
The canal provides a lovely setting for a gentle walk, and the flat towpath makes it a good option for families with pushchairs and children on bikes.
Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to explore, with colourful leaves reflected in the water and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
You may also be able to enjoy a canal boat trip.
If you are looking for something a little more active during October half term, why not try a new experience?
The Chichester area has plenty of options for families who want to get out and do something different.
Depending on the weather and seasonal availability, you could try:
The October school holidays are the perfect excuse to try something new together.
One of the best things about October half term is that you don’t have to fill every day with a big event.
Sometimes the best holiday memories are made from the simplest things.
A slow morning in your holiday cottage.
A walk to the beach.
Collecting autumn leaves.
Playing board games together.
Hot chocolate after a windswept walk.
Fish and chips by the sea.
A family film night.
Or simply watching the sunset over the coast.
Whether you are looking for free October half term activities in Chichester, Halloween events in West Sussex, family days out near West Wittering or somewhere to enjoy the autumn countryside, there is plenty to inspire your next family holiday.
Our collection of holiday cottages across Chichester, West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay, Itchenor and Selsey provides the perfect base for exploring West Sussex during the October school holidays.
Whether you are planning a family getaway, a coastal break with friends or an autumn holiday with the dog, there is so much to see and do right on your doorstep.
After a day exploring the beaches, countryside and attractions of West Sussex, there is nothing better than returning to your own comfortable holiday home to relax and plan the next day’s adventure.
Browse our holiday cottages (below) and book your October half term break in Chichester and the Witterings today.
