Chichester Ship Canal

The canal itself is the thing - a proper Georgian engineering feat that connects Chichester to the sea at Dell Quay, about four miles south. Built in 1822, it's one of England's shortest navigable waterways, which somehow makes it rather charming instead of disappointing. You can walk or cycle the towpath in either direction, spotting narrowboats and the occasional sailing yacht making their way through. The stretch near Chichester town centre is the most accessible, with reasonable parking and a café or two within arm's reach.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's dead flat - no huffing uphill - and takes roughly an hour to amble from town to Dell Quay if you're not in a rush. The views are gentle rather than dramatic: reed beds, open water, the South Downs distant on the horizon. Families with younger kids might find it a bit too linear after twenty minutes unless they're really into boats. Cyclists and narrowboat enthusiasts will absolutely love it.

Free to access, no admission charges. Best visited on a calm day when the water's properly reflective. If you're camping nearby at Chichester Lakeside or one of the other sites dotted around - Stubcroft Farm, Concierge Camping - this makes a lovely afternoon walk without needing to leave the area. It won't eat up your entire day, but as a gentle break from the campsite, it works well.