Emsworth quay

The waterfront at Emsworth is one of those places that sneaks up on you. One minute you're wandering through the high street in this quiet Hampshire town, and the next you're standing at the quay watching moored yachts bob gently against their reflections. It's properly peaceful, especially on a weekday morning when you've got the whole place to yourself.

What draws people here is simple: the view across Chichester Harbour, the working boat activity, and the fact that it feels genuinely lived-in rather than dolled up for tourists. You can walk the length of the quay in about twenty minutes, grab a coffee or something to eat at one of the cafes tucked along the waterfront, and spend a couple of hours just sitting on a bench watching the water. Kids don't usually last long here unless they're into boats, but walkers and photographers absolutely rate it.

There's no admission fee - you just rock up and enjoy it. Best time to visit is probably late spring through early autumn when the weather's decent and the boats are actually being used. The neighbouring Old Dairy Farm Glamping, just 1.6 miles away, makes a solid base if you're spending a proper weekend in the area. You can combine this with a walk into the town itself, which has enough independent shops and decent food to fill a half-day without breaking a sweat.