Brooklands Park and Lake

The lake at Brooklands Park sits quietly on the outskirts of Lancing, a proper spot for a walk if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks. It's a nature reserve, so expect water birds, reed beds, and the kind of gentle Sussex landscape that doesn't shout about itself. You can loop the water on foot - takes about forty minutes depending on pace and how long you linger watching for herons. The paths are mostly flat and well-kept, which means families with younger legs won't struggle.

It's free to access, and there's something restorative about a place this low-key. No gift shop, no cafe, no fuss. Just water, vegetation, and the occasional rustle of life in the reeds. Birdwatchers will find it worth the visit, especially in winter when visiting species turn up. Dog owners seem to love it too - plenty of room for them to stretch properly.

If you're based at Beach Park or The Barn Caravan Park just down the road, this is an easy detour on a morning before heading to the coast at Lancing. It won't take all day, so pair it with a beach walk or a visit to somewhere else nearby. Weather-wise, go when it's been dry - the ground can get boggy after rain. Bring binoculars if you're even vaguely interested in birds; you'll spot more without them, but they do help.