Coney Hill

The walk up Coney Hill rewards you with proper views across the Sussex Downs - nothing fancy, just good honest downland scenery that makes the effort worthwhile. It's a straightforward hike from Brighton, taking you inland where the air clears and the city noise drops away completely.

You're looking at a modest peak rather than anything dramatic, but that's rather the point. The South Downs are about rolling chalk hills and wide horizons, not alpine theatre. On a clear day you can see across the Weald, and in winter when the bracken dies back, the walking is easier underfoot. It takes roughly an hour to reach the top from the nearest car park, depending on your pace and which route you take.

This suits walkers far more than families with young children - there's no tearoom or visitor centre at the summit, just grass and views and the wind. Bring water and something to eat if you're making an afternoon of it. Best visited outside school holidays when the paths aren't rammed.

It integrates nicely with a camping trip in the area. Several sites sit within striking distance - Chalky Downs and Foot of the Downs are both close enough for a morning's walk before breakfast, while staying at somewhere like Pegs and Pitches gives you the Brighton buzz at night and proper downland hiking by day. Worth the detour if you're already in the region, though don't expect it to anchor your entire holiday.