Beacon Hill

The walk up Beacon Hill takes about twenty minutes from the car park near Chichester, and it's worth every step. You're climbing to 646 metres across open downland, with the South Downs rolling out beneath you in all directions. On a clear day you can see right across the Weald towards Kent.

This is proper walker territory. The summit itself is modest - no dramatic peak, just a high point with a trig pillar and an old beacon structure. What makes it special is the 360-degree perspective. Families with younger kids might find the walk a bit steep for the view alone, but teenagers and serious hikers will appreciate the unobstructed vistas and the sense of being genuinely high up.

There's no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of. It's free, obviously, and you can do it in under two hours start to finish. The path is well-maintained but can be muddy after rain, so proper shoes matter.

If you're camping at Bow Hill Farm just down the road, Beacon Hill makes an excellent half-day excursion. The caravan site sits perfectly positioned for exploring the wider South Downs, and this peak gives you the geography lesson you need. Go early morning if you can - the light is better and you'll likely have the summit to yourself. Late afternoon works too if you're chasing that golden-hour glow across the downland.