Great Deep

The water here sits surprisingly deep - hence the name - and it's the sort of place where you realise Sussex has pockets of proper beauty that don't make the guidebooks. Great Deep is a lake that draws walkers and birdwatchers in equal measure, tucked away near Emsworth where the South Downs start to feel like real countryside rather than commuter belt.

There's no fuss to it. You can walk the shoreline, sit and watch for wildlife, or simply use it as a waypoint on a longer ramble through the area. The water's dark and reflective, ringed by trees that change character with the seasons. It's not dramatic - you won't gasp at the sight - but it has a quiet appeal that rewards a slow afternoon rather than a rushed visit.

Walkers will appreciate this most. The terrain is manageable, and it fits well into a broader explore of the Chichester area. Birdwatchers know it already; if you're not one, bring binoculars anyway because you might spot something. Families with young children won't be bored for hours, but kids who like splashing about in streams or spotting ducks will find enough to keep them occupied.

Stubcroft Farm Campsite sits just five miles away, making Great Deep a natural addition to a Sussex lakeside break. Visit early morning or late afternoon when the light's better and the water's calmer. There's no admission charge that I'm aware of - it's the sort of place you simply arrive at and wander. Allow an hour minimum, longer if you settle in with binoculars or a book.