Sussex is full of weird and wonderful attractions. You can’t really describe them as hidden or secret attractions but some of them are certainly unusual and lesser known. And even the better known attractions are worth a re-visit. So with this in mind, how about this weird and wonderful West Sussex itinerary?
Stop 1. Optional. Sculptures, balls and churches
If time and travel permit, start your itinerary in the tiny village of Cocking just outside Midhurst. Here you’ll find the studio and garden of sculpture Philip Jackson. It is open to the public in the summer by appointment and you can wonder through the beautiful gardens spotting some of Jackson’s incredible figures, like characters in a Venetian play. It’s definitely weird and wonderful in equal measure.
You will see more of Jackson’s work later on in this itinerary hence the reason for this optional extra stop. But before you leave Cocking, visit the Medieval church that dates back to the 11th century and is next to the sculpture garden.
If you’re a keen walker, walk onwards to Cocking Hill and the South Downs Way. There are a couple of different footpaths which will take you there so that you don’t have to walk along the main road and it’s only about 1.2 km. To the west of the A286, you will see a café and an incline up the South Downs Way to a chalk stone ball.
This marks the start of the Chalk Stone Trail which is an 8 km cross country trail, via a number of chalk stone structures to West Dean. Again, this trail qualifies as both weird and wonderful. West Dean is worth a visit too and was once home of surrealist, Edward James.
From West Dean, you can hop on the bus to the official beginning of this itinerary in Chichester or walk via the Centurion Way or the West Sussex Sussex Literary Trail. Your other option is to catch the bus from Cocking to Chichester.
Stop 2. Official start. Chichester Cathedral & inspiring tours
Chichester Cathedral is wonderful. Celebrating 950 years of history, 2025 sees their remarkable 950 exhibition but they also do tours which now include the chance to climb the cathedral spire and see Chichester from above.
There are two sculptures by Philip Jackson at the cathedral, namely that of Saint Richard outside and The statue of Christ in Judgement above the entrance to the Lady Chapel. Every other year, the Cathedral host its annual Festival of Flowers which is an absolute delight and the next one will be in June 2026.
Stop 3. Bosham, Vikings & boats
You can travel from Chichester by bus to Bosham in Chichester Harbour and it takes about 20 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, visit the Medieval church where King Canute’s daughter is believed to be buried. Bosham is beautiful and once you’ve taken your time to admire the postcard pretty harbour, head down Shore Road and the coastal path to the ferry.
What is wonderful about Shore Road is that it’s subject to the tides, so if you’re crossing at low tide, there is seaweed right up to the path and if you try and travel it at the wrong time, you will find it submerged under water.
To get to the ferry, you head down Smugglers Lane, an arboreal tunnel of a footpath which opens out onto the wide flats of Chichester Canal. The path across to the ferry winds its way round to the very edge of the harbour and from here you wait to catch the tiniest of all tiny ferries. There has been a ferry here since the 17th century and the ferryman will come and collect you. Don’t expect duty free, it’s just a few minutes sail to Itchenor on the other side and costs just £3 but what a wonderful way to travel. And yes, it can take bikes.
When you get to the other side, you can just potter about, trying to spot the Philip Jackson sculpture that is here and having a bite to eat in the café. Then, you can walk on via the coastal path, to another wonderful spot.
Stop 4. East Head
As Thorney Island is still closed, it’s a little hard to find a Sussex island to walk around, but East Head is as close as you’ll get. It is a wonderful 5 km coastal walk from Itchenor to East Head and it feels remote, unchartered and a little “Daphne du Maurier” as you pass saltmarshes and inlets. If you don’t want to walk to East Head, the best option is to walk to Birdham (about 3 km) and catch the bus from there to West Wittering.
East Head is National Trust managed and is a sand dune spit. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar Site. It’s about 2 km to walk around, and it is much quieter than its neighbouring Witterings.
At the far end, you’ll find a few boats are moored and you can listen to the gentle tinkle of masts and awnings as watch the boats coming ago and watch Hayling Island and Thorney Island on the shores opposite.
If you are ready for home, catch the bus from West Wittering back to Chichester.
Stop 5. Optional. Giant winkles
It’s an 8 km walk along the Coastal Path from the Witterings to Medmerry near Selsey. Alternatively, you can halve that distance by catching the bus to Bracklesham Bay and walking from there. If you want to travel by bus the whole way, you have to catch the bus into Chichester and back out again, which seems a bore.
The reason for your visit to the Medmerry Nature Reserve is to see the giant but temporary periwinkle at Earnley Viewpoint. It’s controversial, maybe a little weird but equally wonderful. You can head into Selsey from here but it’s a walk of about 8 km. Alternatively, head back to Bracklesham Bay and catch the bus to Chichester.
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