DOWSE

The Downs around Brighton offer proper walking territory, and the South Downs Way itself cuts through some of the best of it. If you're after a genuine sense of elevation and space without leaving Sussex, this is where to head. The chalk hills roll in a way that makes you forget you're minutes from the coast - open grassland, the occasional beech wood, and views that stretch all the way to the sea on a clear day.

It's walker terrain, frankly. You won't find a visitor centre or a gift shop, just access to the South Downs Way and the network of footpaths that branch off it. Most people allow between two to four hours depending on which route they choose. The northern slopes near Brighton are less crowded than the famous viewpoints further west, which means you get the experience without the crowds. Bring proper boots - it can be muddy after rain, and the chalk gets slippery.

For families, shorter loops work well. For serious hikers, you can link into longer stretches of the South Downs Way itself. History buffs will appreciate the Bronze Age barrows dotted across the ridgeline, though you need to know where to look. It's free to walk, naturally.

If you're camping at Pegs and Pitches or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - both within two miles - this is the obvious place to spend your morning or afternoon. It converts a flat seaside holiday into something with proper views and fresh air.