Court Hill

Court Hill isn't going to blow your mind with altitude - it's only 247 metres - but the walk up from Petworth rewards you with proper views across the Sussex Weald. On a clear day you can see right across to the South Downs, and the surrounding woodland makes the climb feel like an actual expedition rather than a slog up a bump.

It's walkers' territory, really. The path is straightforward enough, though it gets muddy after rain. Families with younger kids might find it a bit much as a solo destination - you're looking at a decent round trip with not much to do once you reach the top beyond admiring the view and turning back. If you've got teenagers or proper hikers in tow, though, it's a solid hour or so of exercise with payoff.

The nearest camping options - Graffham and Woodfire at Westerlands are both within five miles - make Court Hill a natural add-on to a week in the area rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a visit to Petworth House and the surrounding estates, and you've got a proper day sorted. Winter's actually decent up here, weirdly. The bare branches mean clearer sightlines, and you'll have the place largely to yourself. Go when the light's good though - late afternoon in autumn, or early morning in spring. The view's only worth having if you can actually see something.