Cliff Bottom

The walk down to Cliff Bottom near Newhaven is steep - properly steep - and you'll feel it in your legs on the way back up. But that's rather the point. You're rewarded with a proper seaside viewpoint that doesn't come crowded with tourists queuing for Instagram shots.

What you get here is the raw Sussex coastline without the fairground nonsense. The cliffs tower above, the sea churns below, and on a clear day you can see across the Channel properly. It's the kind of spot where you understand why people came to the seaside before it all got commercialised. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching - the cliff faces attract all sorts.

It's free, obviously, and takes about forty minutes there and back if you're not rushing. The path isn't fancy or paved; it's genuine coastal walking. Families with young kids or anyone with dodgy knees might find it a slog, but proper walkers will get real value from it. The views justify the effort.

If you're staying at Three Ponds Holiday Park nearby, it's absolutely worth the drive. Use it as your morning walk before breakfast, or late afternoon when the light goes golden. Don't expect facilities - there's nowhere to grab a coffee at the bottom, so plan accordingly. Newhaven itself is just down the road if you need supplies or a proper lunch afterwards.