Ardingly Reservoir & Ouse Valley

The reservoir sprawls across the Sussex countryside like someone's left a giant mirror on the landscape. Built in the 1970s, it's become the focal point of the Ouse Valley - a proper water feature that draws walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers in equal measure. The walk around the perimeter is gentle rather than challenging, following a mix of tarmac paths and woodland trails that loop the water's edge. On a clear day the reflections are genuinely lovely, though come on a grey afternoon and it can feel a bit bleak.

You'll see Canada geese, cormorants, and if you're lucky, the occasional osprey. Serious birders rate it highly - there's a visitor centre with viewing platforms, though facilities are fairly basic. Most people allow two to three hours for a full lap, or you can do sections depending on energy levels. It's free to access and works brilliantly as a half-day stop if you're camping nearby at Hook Farm, Worth Forest Glamping, or Wild Boar Wood - all within a few miles of East Grinstead.

The real draw is the walking. It's accessible without being dull, and the water views break up what could otherwise be just another stretch of Sussex woodland. Families with young kids might find it a touch repetitive after an hour, but keen walkers and wildlife types will happily spend a morning here. Best visited in spring or autumn when the bird life really picks up and you're not melting in the sun.