Fairfield Recreation Ground

The meadows at Fairfield Recreation Ground stretch out flat and open, which is precisely why it works so well if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks around Hassocks. You get proper grassland here - the sort of place where you can actually see what's coming, spot birds without binoculars fighting you, and let kids run without worrying they'll disappear into dense woodland within seconds.

It's a nature reserve, so the appeal lies in what lives here rather than dramatic scenery or structure. Wildflowers in season, local bird populations, the occasional deer if you're lucky and quiet enough. The ground is flat and easy to walk, which means families with younger children or anyone not keen on hills will manage it comfortably. Even from Blacklands Farm or Wild Boar Wood, it's close enough for a morning walk without eating into your whole day.

There's something refreshing about a place that doesn't try too hard. No visitor centre, no café, no branded experience - just open ground where nature does its thing. That works if you're the type who enjoys spotting what's actually there rather than being told what to look for. Bring binoculars if you're serious about birds. Spring and early summer are your best bets for flowers and activity.

Worth the trip from either of those caravan sites? Yes, as a gentle addition to a Sussex break rather than a destination in itself. Allow an hour or two, depending on your pace and how much time you want to stand and watch.