Friston Hill

The views from Friston Hill aren't particularly dramatic - this is the South Downs, not the Alps - but on a clear day the walk up pays for itself. You're looking out across the Weald towards the coast, and on a proper autumn afternoon when the light's slanting through, it's genuinely worth the leg work. The climb itself takes about twenty minutes from Hailsham if you go the direct route, which means you can knock this off in an afternoon without it eating your whole day.

It's more a walkers' thing than a tourist trap. Families with decent-aged kids will manage fine, though younger ones might grumble about the incline. There's nothing up there in the way of facilities or attractions - no cafe, no visitor centre, no crowds - which is rather the point. You go for the walk and the view, not for the spectacle.

If you're staying at Warren Wood Country Park just down the road, this becomes an obvious half-day outing. The park's well-positioned for exploring the Downs, and Friston Hill is one of those straightforward additions that fills a morning nicely. The footpaths are clear enough, though muddy in winter. Free to access, obviously - it's just open land. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slowly, but you could do the round trip in ninety minutes if you're fit and keen.