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Father’s Day in West Sussex 2026: 9 Refined Days Out for Dad
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Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 21 June. West Sussex has a lot to offer for a day out worth remembering. From supercar laps at Goodwood Motor Circuit to sailing on Chichester Harbour, a flying lesson over the coast, and vineyard tours during English Wine Week.
This is a guide to nine Father’s Day experience ideas in West Sussex for Dads who want to try something adventurous, fun, and a little luxurious.
Jump to a section
- 1. Drive supercars at Goodwood Motor Circuit
- 2. Sailing charter on Chichester Harbour
- 3. Vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate — during English Wine Week
- 4. Fly fishing on a private Sussex estate
- 5. Spa day at South Lodge Hotel
- 6. Golf at one of Sussex’s top courses
- 7. Horse riding on the South Downs
- 8. Clay pigeon shooting
- 9. Flying lesson over the Sussex coast
- Book a vineyard tour for Father’s Day
- FAQs
1. Drive supercars at Goodwood Motor Circuit
Best for: Petrolheads, motorsport fans, dads who’ve always wanted to do it
Goodwood Motor Circuit sits a few miles outside Chichester and has been one of the UK’s most storied racing venues since 1948. Formula 1, GT cars, and sports racers have all turned laps here. For Father’s Day, you can put your dad in the driving seat of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin or Audi R8 on the same circuit.
“Supercar experience”: a session where you drive a high-performance car on a race circuit with an instructor beside you. You don’t need a racing licence or any track experience.
What’s included in a Goodwood driving experience:
- A passenger hot lap with a professional racing driver
- Three 15-minute driving sessions, starting with a sighting lap
- One-to-one time with a qualified instructor throughout
- Trackside viewing gallery for anyone coming along to watch
The historic circuit is 2.4 miles long, with long, sweeping corners that reward speed, in stark contrast to the tight, technical layouts of most modern tracks. Dates are limited; it’s worth booking well ahead of June.
📍 Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex
2. Sailing charter on Chichester Harbour
Best for: Dads who love the coast, anyone who wants a genuinely relaxed day on the water
Chichester Harbour is a tidal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: 17 miles of quiet channels, saltmarsh and open water, with views across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day. A private skippered charter here is a proper day out; unhurried, scenic, and the sort of thing that doesn’t come up every weekend.
“Skippered charter”: you hire a boat with a qualified captain included. No sailing experience needed on your part. You can help sail if you want, or simply sit back and take it in.
Charter operators in the area:
| Provider | Boat | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marmoris Charters | Yacht | Various | Bespoke charters, multiple packages |
| Chichester Sailing | 32′ Catamaran (Sunstar) | Up to 6 | From £595/day; Solent and Isle of Wight routes |
| Maverick Boat Adventures | Private craft | Various | Sussex coastal routes, including Seven Sisters |
Most operators cater readily to birthdays and special occasions. Contact directly to check availability for the Father’s Day weekend — June is a popular month.
📍 Chichester Marina, West Itchenor, West Sussex
3. Vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate (during English Wine Week)
Best for: Wine-curious dads, anyone who’d enjoy an afternoon in the Sussex countryside, those who like learning something new
Father’s Day 2026 (21 June) falls during English Wine Week (20–28 June), which makes it a particularly good year to visit a Sussex vineyard. Bolney Wine Estate, a working estate in the West Sussex countryside near Haywards Heath, has been growing and making wine since 1972 and runs a full programme of tours and tastings through the season.
“English Wine Week”: an annual celebration of wines made in England and Wales, held each June. In 2026, it runs from 20 to–28 June. Many vineyards put on special events during this period, including tastings, dinners, and behind-the-scenes sessions.
Special events at Bolney during English Wine Week 2026:
| Event | Date | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chef’s Dining Experience | Fri 19 June | £120pp | Six-course dinner with Bolney wine pairings |
| Summer Sunset Evening | Sat 20 June | £15pp | Live acoustic music, small plates, sparkling wine |
| Vineyard Picnic | During the week | TBC | Picnic among the vines |
| Blending Masterclass | Sat 27 June | £60pp | Create your own Chardonnay and Pinot Gris blend with the winemaking team |
Standard tour options (available throughout the season):
| Experience | Duration | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Bolney Experience Tour & Tasting | 3 hours | Guided vineyard walk, winery tour, 5 wines with seasonal food |
| Wine Pairing Tour & Tasting | 1.5 hours | Estate tour, wines paired with local cheeses |
| Cellar Door Tasting | 30 minutes | Tutored tasting with a Bolney expert |
“Tutored tasting”: a structured session where a member of the wine team guides you through a selection of wines, explaining what you’re tasting and why. No prior wine knowledge needed. That’s the point.
After a tour, the Eighteen Acre Restaurant offers balcony views over the vines and a seasonal menu featuring local produce. The Bolney Café & Wine Bar is open for a more casual visit.
Bolney is about 30 minutes from Brighton and an hour from London, with free on-site parking.
📍 Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Lane, Bolney, West Sussex, RH17 5NB
4. Fly fishing on a private Sussex estate
Best for: Dads who like the outdoors, something calm and absorbing, or a new skill to try
Fly fishing gets easier and more compelling the more you do it. West Sussex has some excellent water, including chalk streams and private estate fisheries that are well worth seeking out.
“Fly fishing”: a style of fishing that uses a weighted line to cast a lightweight artificial fly onto the water. The skill is in the casting and reading the water, rather than the kit. It’s often described as meditative, and it’s more physically engaging than it looks.
Two good options in West Sussex:
Cowdray Estate, Midhurst
Around three miles of private River Rother, regularly stocked with Brown Trout alongside a healthy population of wild fish. One of the most scenic stretches of river in the county. The season runs from April to September.
Chalk Springs Trout Fishery, near Arundel
Four spring-fed lakes on the Duke of Norfolk’s Estate, with crystal-clear water and a peaceful setting. Well-suited to both beginners and experienced anglers, and consistently well-reviewed.
Book day tickets directly. June can be popular, so check availability early if Father’s Day is the target.
5. Spa day at South Lodge Hotel
Best for: Dads who need a proper rest, couples wanting a relaxed day together, a weekend away in West Sussex
South Lodge Hotel & Spa in Lower Beeding is a five-star Victorian country house in 93 acres of parkland, with an elevated position overlooking the South Downs. The spa here is one of the most comprehensive in Sussex.
The Spa at South Lodge:
- 44,000 sq ft spa facility
- Three pools, including outdoor
- Cold-water lake for wild swimming
- Botanical sauna, salt steam room, ice bucket shower
- Awarded AA Spa of the Year 2023
Spa day packages are bookable for two, making them a natural choice for Father’s Day if you want to go along, too. Sunday slots in June tend to fill quickly — book well ahead.
If you’re looking for a second option, Alexander House & Utopia Spa in East Grinstead is another well-regarded choice in the area, with an outdoor whirlpool, barrel sauna, and private hot tubs.
📍 South Lodge, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PS
6. Golf at one of Sussex’s top courses
Best for: Dads who already play, or anyone who’s wanted to get onto a serious course
West Sussex has a handful of golf courses that regularly feature in national rankings. The county’s mix of heathland and downland settings means you get genuinely different experiences depending on where you go.
West Sussex Golf Club, Pulborough
A heathland course consistently ranked among the best in the south of England. The layout dates from 1930 and runs through pine and heather — proper classic golf.
Goodwood Golf Club, Chichester
18 holes within the Goodwood Estate, with views across to the South Downs. Combines well with a driving experience at the motor circuit or lunch at the estate, if you want a full day.
Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate, Horsham
Two championship courses on a working wine estate, one of the more unusual rounds in the south. There’s an on-site winery, so a post-round tasting is an option. A good pick for a dad who enjoys both golf and wine.
7. Horse riding on the South Downs
Best for: Dads who ride, those who’ve always wanted to try, anyone who’d enjoy the South Downs from the saddle
The South Downs National Park is one of the most scenic stretches of countryside in southern England. Seeing it on horseback is a different experience from walking or cycling it. West Sussex has several providers running adult hacks through the Downs, with routes that take in views you don’t get from a footpath.
“Hack”: a leisure ride on horseback through the countryside, as opposed to a lesson in an arena. A guided hack means you follow an experienced leader along a planned route. Most providers can match the horse and pace to your ability level.
Westerlands, West Sussex
Rides in and around the South Downs National Park, led by experienced guides. Suitable for adults at different riding levels, with routes through the estate and onto the open Downs.
Based in central West Sussex, with a range of riding options for more experienced riders — including beach rides, local treks and cross-country schooling. Good for dads who ride regularly and want something more varied than a standard hack.
Both are worth contacting directly to discuss their experience levels and check availability for Father’s Day weekend.
8. Clay pigeon shooting
Best for: Dads who like precision, outdoor sport, or something competitive to do as a group
Clay pigeon shooting is straightforward to pick up, satisfying when you connect, and genuinely good fun even with no prior experience. West Sussex has several well-run grounds, including one at Goodwood, which makes it a natural pairing with the driving experience if you want a full day at the estate.
“Clay pigeon shooting”: a sport where you use a shotgun to shoot disc-shaped clay targets (‘clays’) that are launched into the air by a machine called a trap. An instructor tells you when to shoot and adjusts your technique. Eye and ear protection, shotguns and ammunition are all provided.
Three good options in West Sussex:
Goodwood Clay Shooting, Chichester
Set in a natural amphitheatre beneath the Trundle on the Goodwood Estate. Led by CPSA-accredited instructors, with all equipment provided. Suits complete beginners through to experienced shots.
“CPSA-accredited”: the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association is the national governing body for the sport in England. Accredited instructors have been trained and assessed to a consistent standard.
Firle Estate, near Lewes
Clay shooting on a working country estate in the South Downs. It’s a more traditional setting if that appeals to Dad. Make sure to check seasonal availability directly.
Southdown Gun Club, West Sussex
Open Thursday to Sunday year-round, with have-a-go sessions in different sizes: 15, 25, 30 or 50 clays per person. The 30-target session is their most popular starting point.
9. Flying lesson over the Sussex coast
Best for: Dads who’ve always wanted to try it, anyone who’d appreciate a genuinely different perspective on Sussex
A trial flying lesson puts your dad in the co-pilot seat of a light aircraft. Depending on the instructor, in control of the plane for part of the flight. West Sussex has two excellent options, each with a different character.
“Trial flying lesson” (also called an introductory flight): a one-off session where a qualified flying instructor takes you up, explains the controls, and lets you fly the aircraft yourself for part of the experience. No experience needed, and no commitment to further lessons required.
Goodwood Flying School, Chichester
Goodwood Aerodrome is one of the most attractive light aviation airfields in the country. The flying school operates a fleet of Cessnas, a Piper Super Cub and a historic Harvard. A trial lesson here combines the experience of flying with the wider Goodwood estate. Worth pairing with lunch or another activity for a full day.
Shoreham Airport (Brighton City Airport), West Sussex
One of the oldest licensed aerodromes in the UK. Trial lessons run from 30 to 60 minutes in two- or four-seater light aircraft, with coastal routes that take in the Sussex shoreline and the South Downs from the air. A visitor centre, restaurant and café are on site for anyone coming along to watch.
Father’s Day 2026 is 21 June — right in the middle of English Wine Week
It’s a good weekend to visit a vineyard!
FAQs
When is Father’s Day 2026 in the UK?
Sunday 21 June 2026.
What is English Wine Week?
English Wine Week is an annual celebration of wines made in England and Wales, typically held each June. In 2026, it runs from 20 to 28 June. Many vineyards, including Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex, host special events, tastings and dinners throughout the week.
Do I need to know about wine to enjoy a vineyard tour?
No. Tours at Bolney Wine Estate are designed for all levels, including complete beginners. A guide explains everything as you go. Tastings are tutored, meaning someone walks you through what you’re drinking and why it tastes the way it does.
What’s the difference between still and sparkling English wine?
English vineyards make both. English sparkling wine (particularly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown on the chalky soils of the South Downs) has drawn significant international attention, with several estates winning medals against French Champagnes. Still wines (white, red, rosé) are also produced, though the cooler UK climate tends to favour whites and sparkling styles.
How far in advance should I book for Father’s Day?
For vineyard tours, spa days, and driving experiences, booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance is sensible. Father’s Day falls on a Sunday in the third week of June — a popular period. Some experiences, particularly at Goodwood, have very limited dates.
Is Bolney Wine Estate suitable for someone who knows nothing about wine?
Yes. Tours are structured to be accessible to all levels of knowledge. Staff explain terminology throughout, and the shorter tasting sessions are a good starting point if you’re not sure how much time you want to commit.
Is there parking at Bolney Wine Estate?
Yes, there is free on-site parking.
Can I visit Bolney Wine Estate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Non-alcoholic options are available. Contact the estate directly before booking if you have specific requirements, either by phone at 01444 711 722 or via our contact form.
Is Goodwood Motor Circuit suitable for someone who’s never driven on a track before?
Yes. The driving experiences include a passenger hot lap first, followed by a full briefing before you drive. Instructors ride alongside you throughout your sessions.
Do I need riding experience for a South Downs horse riding hack?
Not necessarily. Providers like Westerlands cater to different experience levels — contact them directly before booking to discuss your ability and their recommendations.
Is clay pigeon shooting suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. All the grounds listed provide full instruction, equipment and safety briefings. Most people connect with clays on their first session.
