Coast, Countryside & Halloween Adventures
Looking for an October half term escape? Discover peaceful beaches, beautiful countryside, family-friendly days out and plenty of spooky fun around Chichester.
October is a wonderful time to visit West Sussex. The summer crowds have disappeared, the beaches are quieter, the South Downs are beginning to take on their beautiful autumn colours and Chichester city centre is full of places to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat, a cosy coastal cottage or a city-centre base for family adventures, Chichester Holiday Properties has a selection of holiday homes available for October half term.
Escape to the coast
There’s something rather special about the coast in autumn.
Wrap up warm, grab the wellies and head out for a walk along West Wittering beach, East Head, Bracklesham Bay or the quieter coastline around Chichester Harbour. With fewer people around, October is the perfect time to enjoy the fresh sea air, wide open beaches and beautiful autumn skies.
After a day exploring, return to your holiday home, put the kettle on and settle in for a cosy evening.
For those who enjoy walking, the Chichester Harbour shoreline and South Downs countryside offer plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the changing season.
Explore the South Downs
Just beyond Chichester, the landscape changes from coastline to rolling countryside.
Spend a day exploring the South Downs, discovering pretty villages, woodland walks and countryside views before returning to your holiday property for a relaxing evening.
Autumn is also a great time to visit local attractions such as the Weald & Downland Living Museum, where families can enjoy seasonal and Halloween-themed activities during October half term, including its Plagues & Potions trail and spooky activities.
Halloween and pumpkin-picking adventures
If your October half term getaway wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins, witches and a little spooky fun, there are plenty of seasonal activities to discover.
🎃 Rogate Pumpkin Patch
Head to Rogate Pumpkin Patch for a classic autumn day out. The 2026 pumpkin patch runs from 16 October to 1 November, with pumpkin picking, themed play areas, family activities and spooky attractions.
Rogate Pumpkin Patch & Wholesale Pumpkins
🎃 Dell Quay PYO
Closer to Chichester, Dell Quay PYO offers pumpkin picking beside Chichester Harbour. The 2026 pumpkin season runs from 17–31 October, making it a great option for an autumn day out during half term.
Dell Quay PYO
🎃 Somerley Fields
Somerley Fields, near Chichester, is another local name to add to your autumn itinerary. The farm has previously become known for its pumpkins, pick-your-own experiences and autumn family days out, so it’s worth checking what’s happening during your dates before travelling.
What if it rains?
Let’s be honest – October in Sussex can bring a little rain!
Luckily, a rainy day doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors at your holiday home. Chichester and the surrounding area have plenty of options for keeping the whole family entertained.
Try a family trip to the cinema, challenge each other to a game of bowling, see if you can escape an escape room, battle it out at laser tag or enjoy a round of indoor adventure golf.
So even if the weather isn’t playing ball, there is still plenty to do.
Slow down in Chichester city centre
If you prefer a city break, Chichester city centre makes a fantastic base for October half term.
Spend a morning exploring the historic city centre, browse the independent shops, enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the city’s cafés and discover its galleries, museums and cultural attractions.
Then, when you’ve had enough exploring, you’re never far from your holiday home.
A city-centre stay also makes it easy to combine days out with relaxed evenings, whether that’s dinner in Chichester, a trip to the theatre or simply heading back to your accommodation for a cosy night in.
October Half Term Availability
Looking for a last-minute October half term break?
We have a selection of holiday cottages, coastal retreats, countryside properties and city-centre accommodation in and around Chichester, with availability for selected October dates.
🌳 Rural & Countryside Properties
Sleeps 8-11
Available Dates:
HALF TERM:
22-26th Oct - from £485 per night.
30th Oct - 2nd Nov - from £535 per night.
Sleeps 7
Available Dates:
HALF TERM:
31st Oct-3rd Nov - from £200 per night.
Sleeps 4
Available Dates:
HALF TERM:
31st Oct-3rd Nov - from £140 per night.
North Mundham Cottage & Studio
Sleeps 11
Available Dates:
HALF TERM:
31st Oct-3rd Nov - from £340 per night.
Perfect for: families looking for peace and quiet, countryside walks, autumn scenery and a relaxing October escape.
🏙️ Chichester City Centre Properties
Sleeps 18
Available Dates:
HALF TERM
25-27th Oct - from £390 per night.
30th Oct-2nd Nov - from £509 per night.
Sleeps 2
Available Dates:
22-25th Oct - from £123 per night.
HALF TERM
29th Oct - 2nd Nov - from £115 per night.
Perfect for: guests who want to explore Chichester, enjoy local restaurants and attractions, and have everything on their doorstep.
Make October half term a little different
You don’t need sunshine and summer temperatures to enjoy a great family holiday in West Sussex.
Enjoy quieter beaches. Explore the South Downs. Pick pumpkins. Discover Chichester. Embrace the autumn weather. And make the most of having nowhere else you need to be.
Whether you’re planning a family October half term holiday, a coastal escape, a South Downs countryside break or a Chichester city break, our holiday properties give you the perfect base for exploring the area.
🍂 Ready for an autumn escape?
Take a look at our October half term availability and find your perfect Chichester holiday home.
Book direct with Chichester Holiday Properties for the latest availability and prices.
Search our properties, check your dates and start planning your October escape today.
