The days are getting lighter, the first snowdrops are visible, and spring is within reaching distance. It feels a little like emerging from a big sleep and the good news is, there are plenty of things to do in February in Sussex in 2026 to help ease us all through the rest of the winter.
Glowing + Alive, Chichester Cathedral
13 February until November
A new exhibition that reveals the story behind the tapestry at the High Altar by celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper. The tapestry is often cited as “the most significant ecclesiastical artwork of the twentieth century”. The 2026 exhibition brings the story of the tapestry to life through personal correspondence, including between John Piper and Dean Hussey.
Dark Skies Festival
10 – 18 February
A Dark Skies Festival is a celebration of the dark skies around National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which in Sussex means the South Downs. The South Downs National Park has a programme of events organised (see their website for more details) or visit Pied A Terre Adventures for details of night walks. It’s a great way to see the landscape from a unique perspective.
Rye Bay Scallop Week
From 21 February to 1 March
If ever you needed an excuse to visit Rye, surely this is it! During Rye Bay Scallop Week, restaurants in the town go all out to showcase this wonderful product of the sea! Participants include The Mermaid Inn, The Globe In Marsh, The George and many more. There is a website where you’ll also find recipes.
Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival
23 to 17 February
Hastings Fat Tuesday CIC is a not-for-profit organisation and the Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival is a five day music festival of music, mayhem and Mardi Gras. The town wide celebration has some 350 free gigs with a mix of international and local artists.
Ice-skating
Worthing Ice Rink remains open until the 22 February. It’s in Steyne Gardens.
Weald & Downland Living Museum
31 January until 8 February
An exclusive, immersive evening with the ‘Black Knight Historical’ Living History Group during their residency at the Museum. The group will be living and working inside North Cray Medieval House, recreating daily life as it may have been for the fictional Babham family in 1462.
Magical Medmerry
14 February
A guided walk from Earnley Car Park to the Slit Pool and beach through the RSPB’s Medmerry Reserve created in 2011. Look out for our winter duck and wader visitors or familiar visitors such as Widgeon, Teal, Snipe, Lapwing, Sandpipers and Redshank on the mudbanks as well as Dartford Warbler, Yellow Hammer, Linnet, Reed Bunting in the gorse or reed beds. You may see Buzzards, Marsh Harriers or Kestrel.
Borde Hill Magnolia in Bloom Trail
From 15 February to 30 April
With over 180 varieties of magnolia, this is a fabulous way to enjoy some of the first blooms of spring. You can opt for a self guided or a guided tour.
I hope you’ve found something in our list of things to do in February in Sussex that tickles your fancy, and you may also like:
