Egerton Park

You'll find Egerton Park just outside Bexhill-on-Sea, a proper slice of Sussex countryside that doesn't shout about itself. It's a nature reserve rather than the manicured sort of park, so come here if you want to see what the local landscape actually looks like without the gift shop and visitor centre faffing.

The whole point is the wildlife and habitats - you're walking through areas that matter for local birds and plants. It's the kind of place where you notice things if you're paying attention: a flash of movement in the undergrowth, the sound of different birds depending on the season. Not dramatic, but genuinely good if you're the sort who enjoys a quiet morning with binoculars.

Families with young kids might find it a bit thin on attractions after half an hour, to be honest. Walkers and anyone who actually cares about conservation will get proper value from it. There are people who work these reserves, and you can tell they know what they're doing.

Bexhill itself is close enough for a day trip combined with the beach or seafront walk, and if you're staying at Park Holidays UK or Combe Haven Holiday Park nearby, it's an easy leg-stretch. The admission situation isn't entirely clear from what I've found, so ring ahead - nature reserves often operate on different rules than regular parks.

Go early if you're serious about seeing anything alive. Midday is quiet, and not in a good way.