Arundel Park

The River Arun carves through this sprawling Sussex reserve like it's got somewhere important to be, and honestly, that's the whole appeal. Arundel Park gives you proper riverside walking without the crowds you'd fight at more famous spots - the water moves fast enough to be interesting, and the paths wind through woodland that actually feels wild rather than manicured.

This is walker territory, full stop. The trails are manageable rather than brutal, which means families with older kids will get a decent outing without the complaints kicking in around hour two. Birdwatchers clean up here too - bring binoculars and you'll spot everything from herons to kingfishers depending on the season. The woodland sections are thick enough that even on busy weekends it feels quiet.

How long you'll need depends entirely on how slow you walk. A basic circuit takes ninety minutes if you're keeping pace; stay longer and you'll disappear into the trees for three hours easy. There's something about riverside reserves that makes you want to linger over every bend.

It sits just outside Arundel town, which means you're minutes from proper amenities if you've forgotten supplies. South Downs Caravan Park is closest at just 1.4 miles - ideal if you're basing yourselves for a few days and want morning walks without the drive. The reserve works as a solid day activity alongside exploring Arundel itself, or as a standalone if you just need quiet and moving water.