The Novium Museum

The Novium Museum sits right in Chichester's city centre, housed in a striking modern building that wouldn't look out of place in London. It's the story of Roman Chichester laid bare - mosaics, pottery, coins, sculpture - all the stuff that proves this corner of West Sussex was once a proper Roman town called Noviomagus. You'll wander through galleries tracking life from the Iron Age through to the medieval period, though the Roman material is undoubtedly the star turn.

It's genuinely worth an hour or two if you're into archaeology or Roman Britain. The mosaics are exceptional, especially when you realise they've survived nearly two thousand years under Sussex soil. Kids tend to engage well with the hands-on bits and the sheer tangibility of objects ordinary Romans actually touched. The museum staff clearly know their stuff and aren't afraid to admit what remains uncertain - refreshing in a place that could easily oversell its significance.

Admission is free, which sweetens the deal considerably. Go midweek if possible; weekends can draw school groups. It pairs brilliantly with a wander around Chichester's medieval street layout and cathedral, and if you're camping nearby at Chichester Lakeside or one of the sites further out towards Bognor Regis, it's an excellent rainy-day option or a cultural interlude between beach days. The museum shop is modest but decent. Allow a good two hours if you're reading the panels properly.