**Please bear with us as we update 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.
Chichester Cathedral 950 |Religion, Rebellion & Reformation
14 February to 15 November
This exhibition celebrates 950 years of the Cathedral with a collection of fascinating artefacts from across the Diocese of Chichester, spanning East and West Sussex. Each object reveals remarkable moments and people from history.
Chocolate Workshops at Tinwood
10 and 11 April
Chocolatier Richard Bingham will host two Chocolate Workshops at Tinwood Estate this Easter. The evening will begin at 7pm and guests can enjoy a glass of award-winning Tinwood sparkling wine on arrival. Richard will lead a 45-minute demonstration on the fine art of chocolate making before guests roll up their sleeves and delve into chocolate making themselves. Each guest will have their own large Easter egg to decorate and customise to take home.
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.
Preston Manor, Brighton
From 5 April
After five years, Preston Manor is re-opening with a new visitor experience that will take you through a day in 1912 in this iconic and elegant Edwardian home. Get to know some of the people that lived and worked here, learn more about some of the manor’s famous ghosts and have afternoon tea in their brand new tea rooms.
Petworth Spring Festival
5 to 27 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, family activities. There is also 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 including jewellery, homeware, textiles and art (on the 5 and 6 April) . Visit the Petworth National Trust website for more details.
Star gazing and wellness at Bailiffscourt
24 and 25 April
Head off for a wellness retreat at the gorgeous Bailiffscourt and enjoy guided mindful stargazing. You’ll be guided through the universe, with meditation and self-awareness practices. You’ll have time to explore your mind, body and soul through thoughtful group discussion, a dusk Qigong workshop and dawn Zen yoga session.
Spring into Community 2025, Wakehurst
24, 25 April & 3 May 2025
This three day programme of events at Wakehurst with the theme of “seeds” is open to all ages and abilities and includes a a wide range of activities. Learn more about the Millennium Seed Bank through story-telling, hands on workshops and botanical screen printing. Immerse yourself in the well-being benefits of the gardens with accessible sensory tours, mindfulness sessions, and forest bathing experiences.
Children’s Trail at Borde Hill
29 March to 21 April
Children can follow the swashbuckling story trail of Bertram Bunny for an Easter adventure. Follow the daily story trail, crack the clues, and uncover Bertram’s secret password to receive a reward for your efforts.
Easter egg hunt at Bodiam Castle
5 to 21 April
Bodiam Castle are hosting a quaking good time with a family trail with fun-filled games like fun-filled games including hook-a-duck and egg and spoon.
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 (from 21 April) and Tulleys Farm TulipFest (from 5 April). Each represent a unique explosion of colour.
Lambing at Coombes Farm, Lancing
15 March to 21 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.
Colour at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Until 19 October
Step into a world of colour at the Royal Pavilion and learn about colour history and the incredible life and talents of George IV at this new immersive Colour exhibition. A photographer’s dream, you’ll learn all about the tactile and pioneering colours of the Pavilion.
If you are still looking for things to do and what’s on in April in Sussex, you may also like:
