West Sussex offers families far more than expensive visitor attractions. Across the county, parents, grandparents and carers can find beaches, parks, museums, country walks, nature reserves, gardens and historic places that are free to enter or cost very little.
From the coast at Worthing and Littlehampton to the countryside around Horsham, Crawley and the South Downs, there are plenty of places where children can run, explore, learn and make memories without placing extra pressure on the household budget.
This guide highlights 15 free and low-cost family days out across West Sussex. Parking charges, opening times and facilities can change, so check the latest information before travelling.
1. Tilgate Park, Crawley
Why it is good for families
Tilgate Park is one of Crawley’s largest and most varied outdoor spaces. Families can combine lakeside walking, woodland exploration, open grass, play areas and gardens in one visit.
What children can do
Children can follow the paths around the lake, look for ducks and other wildlife, use the play areas, ride scooters and explore the woodland. The park also contains a paid-entry nature centre and other chargeable activities, but these are not necessary for an enjoyable visit.
Cost
The main park is free to explore. Charges apply for the zoo, selected activities and the main car parks. Crawley Borough Council operates two principal car parks at the park, both open throughout the day.
Location and travel tips
Tilgate Drive, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 5PQ.
The park is large, so decide which entrance and parking area you want before travelling. The main car park can become busy at weekends and during school holidays.
Food and picnic notes
There are places to purchase refreshments, but a packed lunch will keep the day affordable. Plenty of open areas are suitable for picnics.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, including toddlers, primary-aged children and teenagers who enjoy walking or cycling.
2. Buchan Country Park, Crawley
Why it is good for families
Buchan Country Park provides a quieter alternative to Tilgate Park. Its woodland, heathland, ponds and marked routes make it ideal for a simple family nature walk.
What children can do
Children can look for wildlife, follow mapped trails, try simple navigation activities and explore the different habitats. The park also has an orienteering course suitable for beginners and more experienced visitors.
Cost
General self-led visits are free, although donations towards the management of the park are welcomed. Organised activities and large group visits may need to be booked.
Location and travel tips
Horsham Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9HQ.
Use the official directions, as the entrance is less obvious than those at some larger visitor attractions. Parking availability may be more limited during events.
Food and picnic notes
Bring drinks, snacks and a packed lunch. Take all litter home and follow the Countryside Code.
Age suitability
Best for confident toddlers, primary-aged children and older children. Natural paths may be muddy after wet weather.
3. Horsham Museum and Art Gallery
Why it is good for families
Horsham Museum is a useful free choice for rainy days, quieter afternoons or families who want to combine local history with a town-centre visit.
What children can do
Children can explore archaeology, local history, artwork and changing exhibitions. Families can create their own challenge by looking for the oldest object, the strangest exhibit or something connected with childhood in the past.
Cost
Admission is free. The museum is usually open Tuesday to Saturday and on bank holiday weekends, although opening arrangements should be checked before travelling.
Location and travel tips
9 Causeway, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1HE.
The museum is in Horsham town centre and within walking distance of the railway station and bus services. Nearby public parking is normally charged.
Food and picnic notes
Food should not be eaten in the galleries. Combine the visit with a picnic in a nearby park or bring a snack for afterwards.
Age suitability
Most suitable for primary-aged children and older visitors, although younger children can enjoy a shorter visit.
4. Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Horsham
Why it is good for families
Warnham Local Nature Reserve gives children an accessible introduction to birds, woodland, wetlands and wildlife watching close to Horsham.
What children can do
Families can follow the paths, use the hides, watch birds, look for insects and visit the nature displays. The reserve also runs seasonal events and activities.
Cost
Warnham is a low-cost attraction rather than completely free. Current arrangements include free entry for under-18s, a modest adult admission charge and free parking. The visitor centre and café can be accessed without paying reserve admission.
Location and travel tips
Warnham Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2RA.
The reserve is around a 30-minute walk from Horsham town centre. Free on-site parking is available, but the car park may fill during popular events.
Food and picnic notes
There is an on-site café and outdoor seating. A packed lunch or snack can keep the visit inexpensive.
Age suitability
Suitable for toddlers, school-aged children and teenagers interested in nature or photography. Supervise younger children near water.
5. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery
Why it is good for families
Worthing Museum provides a free indoor activity close to the town centre and seafront. It can easily be combined with a beach walk or picnic.
What children can do
Children can see local collections, artwork and changing exhibitions. Families can encourage younger visitors to choose a favourite object or create a simple sketch of something they see.
Cost
Museum exhibitions are free and generally do not require advance booking. Some workshops, performances or special activities may be charged separately.
Location and travel tips
Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1HP.
The museum is within walking distance of Worthing railway station, the town centre and seafront. Town-centre parking is normally charged.
Food and picnic notes
Combine the museum with a packed lunch in Beach House Park or on the promenade.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, although the visit may be most rewarding for primary-aged children and older visitors.
6. Worthing Beach and Promenade
Why it is good for families
Worthing’s long seafront gives families the freedom to create their own day out. A beach visit can include walking, paddling, stone collecting, games and a picnic without paying admission.
What children can do
Children can search for shells, build pebble towers, watch the sea, walk along the promenade and enjoy the open coastal space. The wider Worthing shoreline stretches for several miles between Ferring and Lancing.
Cost
The beach and promenade are free. Parking, refreshments and commercial attractions cost extra.
Location and travel tips
Worthing seafront, West Sussex, BN11.
The beach is within walking distance of Worthing town centre and railway station. Seafront and town-centre parking is usually charged, so check tariffs before arriving.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a picnic and reusable drinks bottles. There are many cafés and takeaway outlets, but purchasing food for a whole family can quickly increase the cost.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages. Worthing Beach is mainly shingle, and children require close supervision near the water.
7. Beach House Park and Grounds, Worthing
Why it is good for families
Beach House Park offers lawns, gardens and recreational space close to Worthing Beach. It works well as a quieter break from the seafront.
What children can do
Children can explore the grounds, play simple outdoor games and use the free table-tennis facilities. The nearby sand courts may also be available for organised or casual sport.
Cost
The park is free to enter. Charges may apply for parking and separately managed sporting activities.
Location and travel tips
Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11.
Pay-and-display parking is available near the park, while surrounding roads may have permit or short-stay restrictions.
Food and picnic notes
The open lawns are suitable for a picnic. Families can also walk to the seafront for cafés and public facilities.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, particularly families wanting a relaxed picnic or gentle outdoor activity.
8. Highdown Gardens, Near Worthing
Why it is good for families
Highdown Gardens gives families a peaceful garden visit on the edge of the South Downs. It is particularly good for children who enjoy plants, colours, wildlife and gentle exploration.
What children can do
Children can follow the garden paths, look for unusual plants, count butterflies and bees, and sketch flowers or trees.
Cost
The gardens and visitor centre are free to enter. Parking is limited, and families should check current opening times before travelling.
Location and travel tips
Littlehampton Road, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6PG.
The gardens are on sloping ground, and some paths may be challenging for lightweight pushchairs or visitors with limited mobility.
Food and picnic notes
Check the current garden rules before planning a picnic inside. There are refreshments nearby, but bringing drinks and snacks will help manage costs.
Age suitability
Best for children who enjoy walking, wildlife and gardens. Younger children will need supervision around steps and sloping paths.
9. Cissbury Ring, Near Worthing
Why it is good for families
Cissbury Ring combines fresh air, wide views, archaeology and open countryside. It is one of the largest historic hill forts in Sussex and provides a proper outdoor adventure without an entry fee.
What children can do
Children can climb the hill, explore the ancient earthworks, look for butterflies and imagine how people lived there thousands of years ago.
Cost
Access is free. The National Trust does not operate its own car park, although a small free public car park is available at Storrington Rise, followed by an approximately 20-minute walk.
Location and travel tips
Near Findon, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 0HT.
Wear suitable footwear and carry water. The climb and exposed landscape can feel demanding in hot, wet or windy weather.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a lightweight picnic or walking snacks. There are limited facilities on the hill, so plan toilet stops before starting.
Age suitability
Best for confident walkers, primary-aged children and teenagers. It may not be suitable for lightweight pushchairs.
10. Lancing Beach Green
Why it is good for families
Lancing Beach Green brings together the beach, open grass and activity areas, making it easier to entertain children of different ages.
What children can do
Children can explore the shore, use the playground, ride bikes or scooters and visit the BMX or skate facilities. The beach and surrounding green space provide room for both active play and quieter picnics.
Cost
The beach and green are free. Car-parking charges may apply.
Location and travel tips
Brighton Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15.
Arrive early on sunny days because coastal parking areas can become busy. Lancing railway station is within walking distance for families travelling by train.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a picnic and windproof blanket. Refreshment kiosks and nearby cafés may operate seasonally.
Age suitability
Suitable for toddlers, primary-aged children, teenagers and adults. Close supervision is needed beside the sea and around cycling or skate areas.
11. Shoreham Beach and Widewater
Why it is good for families
Shoreham Beach and Widewater provide a quieter coastal experience than some larger seaside resorts. Families can combine a beach walk with wildlife spotting around the lagoon.
What children can do
Children can collect stones, look for coastal birds, walk beside the lagoon and watch boats approaching Shoreham Harbour.
Cost
The beach and public walking areas are free. Widewater has its own car park, while parking arrangements elsewhere along the coast vary.
Location and travel tips
Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing, West Sussex.
Check tide times and weather conditions. Public toilets and a refreshment kiosk are available near Widewater, although opening may be seasonal.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a packed lunch and take all litter home. Avoid feeding birds and other wildlife.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, although the shingle beach, lagoon and harbour environment require close supervision.
12. Mewsbrook Park, Littlehampton
Why it is good for families
Mewsbrook Park combines a large boating lake, colourful gardens, open lawns and a children’s play area close to Littlehampton seafront.
What children can do
Children can use the playground, look for birds around the lake, enjoy the open grass and walk to the nearby beach.
Cost
The park is free to enter. Parking charges may apply at the nearby Sea Road car park, although some limited street parking may also be available.
Location and travel tips
Hendon Avenue, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 2LX.
The nearest public car park is at Sea Road, BN16 2NA. The site is also accessible from the promenade.
Food and picnic notes
The park has picnic areas and nearby refreshments. Bringing your own lunch will make it easier to avoid unplanned spending.
Age suitability
Particularly good for toddlers and primary-aged children, although the lake, gardens and seafront suit all ages.
13. Bognor Regis Beach and Promenade
Why it is good for families
Bognor Regis offers a traditional seaside day out where families can choose between spending nothing and adding one or two affordable treats.
What children can do
Children can paddle, collect shells and stones, walk along the promenade and enjoy views across the coast. The beach can be combined with a walk through the town or a visit to nearby Hotham Park.
Cost
The beach and promenade are free. Parking, food, amusements and other attractions cost extra.
Location and travel tips
Bognor Regis seafront, West Sussex, PO21.
The beach is within walking distance of Bognor Regis railway station. Town-centre car parks are available, and the local parking-disc scheme can provide limited free parking in selected car parks after purchasing the disc.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a picnic to avoid paying seaside prices for every meal. Set a clear family spending limit before walking past arcades and refreshment outlets.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages. Young children require close supervision near the water.
14. The Novium Museum, Chichester
Why it is good for families
The Novium Museum provides an accessible introduction to Chichester’s Roman and local history. It is a useful wet-weather option and can be combined with a city-centre trail.
What children can do
Children can explore archaeological objects, changing exhibitions and stories from the district. Some family events and exhibitions include interactive activities, although charges may apply to selected temporary displays or workshops.
Cost
Access to the museum’s permanent collections and some exhibitions is free, with donations welcomed. Certain special exhibitions and activities may require a paid ticket.
Location and travel tips
Tower Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1QH.
The museum is in the city centre, within walking distance of Chichester railway and bus stations. Central parking is normally charged.
Food and picnic notes
Combine the museum with a picnic in Priory Park or Bishop’s Palace Gardens.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, particularly primary-aged children studying Romans or local history.
15. Priory Park and Chichester City Walk
Why it is good for families
Priory Park offers open space, history and play facilities within Chichester city centre. It can be used as the starting point for a free walk around the city walls and historic streets.
What children can do
Children can use the two play areas, explore the orchard and meadow, look at the historic Guildhall and follow a simple trail around the city. The park also contains a vegetable garden and hosts occasional free family events.
Cost
The park and public city walking routes are free. Some organised events or nearby attractions may charge.
Location and travel tips
Priory Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19.
The park is within walking distance of the city-centre shops, bus station and railway station. Public car parks are available but generally charge.
Food and picnic notes
The grassed areas are suitable for picnics. Chichester city centre has many cafés and shops, but bringing lunch from home is the most economical option.
Age suitability
Suitable for toddlers, primary-aged children, teenagers and adults. Pushchairs can use many of the city and park paths.
How to Keep a Free West Sussex Day Out Affordable
Free admission does not always mean a cost-free visit. Parking, food, drinks, ice creams and optional activities can quickly increase the price.
Pack Food and Drinks
Bring sandwiches, fruit, refillable bottles and simple snacks. A flask of tea or coffee can save the cost of buying several hot drinks.
Check Parking Before Travelling
Confirm parking charges, payment methods, height restrictions and closing times on the official website. Coastal and country park car parks can become full during good weather.
Consider Public Transport
Worthing, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Horsham and Littlehampton all have town-centre railway stations. A family rail or bus ticket may cost less than fuel and all-day parking.
Combine Nearby Places
Pair Worthing Museum with the beach and Beach House Park. Combine The Novium Museum with Priory Park and the city walls. Mewsbrook Park can be followed by a walk along Littlehampton seafront.
Bring Your Own Activities
A football, frisbee, bucket and spade, binoculars, sketchbook or printed scavenger hunt can turn a simple walk into a full family adventure.
Set a Spending Limit
Tell children before leaving whether the day includes an ice cream, café visit or paid attraction. A clear limit reduces arguments and avoids unexpected spending.
Prepare for the Weather
Take sun cream, hats, waterproof coats, spare socks and suitable shoes. Coastal weather can change quickly, while nature-reserve and woodland paths may stay muddy after rain.
Planning a Budget Family Day Out in West Sussex
A memorable family day does not need expensive tickets or an elaborate itinerary. Children often remember the freedom to explore a woodland path, collect stones on the beach, discover an unusual museum object or eat a picnic together more than they remember the amount spent.
Choose one main destination, check the latest practical information and pack what your family will need. West Sussex has enough parks, beaches, museums, gardens and nature reserves to provide affordable adventures throughout the year.
