St Nicholas' Church - Free Tours, Insights and Activities
Free tours, insights and activities
St Nicholas' Church
7–9 March, 12–14 March
Offer details
What you will see: St Nicholas’ Church is an extraordinary medieval treasure and a living place of Christian worship. Built between 1380 and the very early 1400s, it is the largest medieval church in West Sussex, and the history of the wider complex of church, college, and medieval hospital is fascinating.
Historic England classifies the church as Grade I – the highest category. It is, however, on the 'Heritage at Risk Register' because of decaying stone, lead, and timber. National Lottery players have been helping to save the building for more than a decade. One major roof, the entire west end of the church, and the surface water drainage still need attention before the church can be removed from the 'At Risk' register. By spending time in the church – we suggest a minimum of one hour – you will see what has already been achieved with your support, and what still remains to be done.
Access arrangements may change if a service is taking place.
How it works: Visitors showing any National Lottery ticket or scratchcard (digital or physical) can unlock access to special programming during National Lottery Open Week 2026.
Key activities:
On the hour: 15 minute Graffiti & Mason Mark Tours.
On the half hour: 15 minute Wall Painting & Tudor Insights, exploring rare wall paintings and a “Tudor Soundscape” of historic choral music.
All day:
The Mason’s Challenge – an activity sheet inviting families and individuals to find five “signature marks” hidden in the church.
A small memento gift as a thank you for visiting.
How to take part
The church is accessed from the London Road, and there is free parking along the length of this road but there may not be space. There is no designated disabled parking, but dropping off at the gates is possible. There are two wheelchairs in the church that can be borrowed.
Entry will normally be via the doors facing you as you walk up the drive.
St Nicholas' Church will be taking part in National Lottery Open Week with a special offer of Free tours, insights and activities
This offer will run on 7–9 March, 12–14 March
Entry is between 09.30 and 15.30. On Sunday 8th March entry is between 13.00 and 15.30
Booking in advance is not required.
The church is accessed from the London Road, and there is free parking along the length of this road but there may not be space. There is no designated disabled parking, but dropping off at the gates is possible. There are two wheelchairs in the church that can be borrowed.
Entry will normally be via the doors facing you as you walk up the drive.
One National Lottery ticket (physical or digital), scratchcard, or Instant Win Game will give access to a group of up to six people
All National Lottery games, including National Lottery draw-based games, Instant Win Games, and National Lottery scratchcards, purchased in-store and online / via app, qualify to redeem this offer.
Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game can be either hard copy ticket or digital.
The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.
All offers are subject to availability.
St Nicholas' Church has the right to refuse entry in the unlikely event of venue / offer reaching capacity, as well as unforeseen circumstances.
In the event of queries on the day, the organisation's decision is final.
This offer is not exchangeable.
Location
Inspired? Apply for funding
Inspired by St Nicholas' Church - Free Tours, Insights and Activities? Apply for funding to support your own community.
Over 690,000 projects funded
The National Lottery has given over £50bn to local projects just like this one to support your local community.
