**Please bear with us as we add to this post for 2026**
April is a wonderful time in Sussex, filled with blossom and with luck, a little sunshine! There is lots going on and here are just a few suggestions for things to do and what’s on in April in Sussex.
Countryside Exhibition, Henfield
4, 5 and 6 April
Including the Woodhouse Vintage Ploughing Match on 4 April, see working tractors, where participants compete and show their skills, judged on precision,
John Hitchens Patterns of Seeing Exhibition at Moncrieff-Bray Gallery, near Petworth
28 and 29 March open 10 am – 6 pm, thereafter Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm until 18 April
Spanning Hitchens’s entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic vision – from early landscapes of the 1960s, sweeping panoramas from Duncton Hill of the 1970s, the rhythmic works of The Far Wood series of the 1980s, to his recent, abstract landscapes and sculptures.
All the works come from Hitchens’ studio. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to discover one of West Sussex’s most innovative and original landscape artists of the 21st Century.
Plumpton Races
20 and 21 April
For some heart stopping action, Plumpton Races always comes up trumps. They have a number of fixtures in April but their Easter race fixtures are the biggest weekend of the year for them with fun for everyone and high-quality action on the track.
Petworth Spring Festival
4 to 19 April
Set amongst over 50,000 mixed daffodils in the Pleasure Garden at Petworth House, the festival is three weeks of spring activities, including bulb displays, talks, workshops, and family activities. There is also a two-day Makers Market held in partnership with Petworth Pop-Up, where visitors can find high-quality artisan gifts and a range of beautiful handmade products. Visit the Petworth National Trust website for more details.
Journaling workshop and lunch at Bailiffscourt
28 April
Join Kate McBarron, a journaling expert and wellness coach, as she takes you through the process of journaling and creative writing in her two-and-a-half-hour journaling workshop, followed by lunch.
Badger watching at Wakehurst
Tuesday and Thursday 7 April to September
Led by experienced nature reserve lead, Steve Robinson, this is a chance to enjoy a rare glimpse of these nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat as you learn about their behaviour.
Easter egg hunt at Bateman’s
21 March to 12 April
Bateman’s is hosting an Easter-inspired trail with activities for the whole family, such as bean bag throwing, solving clues and charades.
Easter at Weald and Downland Living Museum
12 and 13 April
Step back in time and experience Easter through the ages, from the Saxons to the Edwardians! Explore the different houses and eras and learn about the many different ways we have celebrated Easter over the ages.
Tulips Festivals
Dates to be confirmed.
Sussex is now home to three tulip festivals: Arundel Castle Tulip Festival (date to be confirmed), Pashley Manor Tulip Festival (late April) and Tulleys Farm TulipFest (TBC but estimated late March onwards). Each represents a unique explosion of colour.
Lambing at Coombes Farm, Lancing
14 March to 19 April
Tucked down an idyllic country lane, visit Coombes farm for their lambing season and make a note to visit the little church while you’re here where you’ll find some incredible wall paintings.
If you are still looking for things to do and what’s on in April in Sussex, you may also like:
