East Trout Lake

A proper working lake just outside Chichester, East Trout Lake is exactly what it says on the tin - a spot for fishing, walking the perimeter, and watching the water on a quiet afternoon. There's no pretence here, no visitor centre or cafe, just a calm stretch of water fringed with trees and the occasional angler casting a line. The walk around takes maybe forty minutes at a leisurely pace, depending on access - it's the sort of place you stumble on and either think "lovely, I'll come back" or "right, what's next."

Fishermen will absolutely get the most from it. Coarse fishing types know East Trout Lake well, and you'll spot folk with rods set up most days the weather's decent. If you're not fishing, it's a straightforward spot for a countryside walk and a bit of peace. Families with young kids might find it thin on entertainment for more than an hour - there's no playground, no duck-feeding drama, no interpretive boards. But for walkers wanting a quiet loop near Chichester, or couples wanting to break up a park holiday with a leg-stretch, it works.

Stay at Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park, which sits just 0.4 miles away - close enough to pop over on foot if the mood takes you. It's also within reasonable distance of Haven Church Farm and the larger Butlins Bognor Regis if you're mixing lakeside calm with seaside entertainment. Free to visit, no entry fees or opening hours to worry about. Best visited on a weekday morning when you'll actually hear the birds.