Harvey's Cross

A stone cross standing on the South Downs near Brighton - that's Harvey's Cross, though you'd be forgiven for missing it if you weren't looking. It's a modest affair, really, a wayside monument that marks a spot along the downland paths rather than commanding attention like some grand heritage site might.

The cross itself dates back centuries and sits in open countryside where walkers regularly pass through. It's the sort of thing that rewards a deliberate detour rather than a casual stroll - you'll want to know where you're going to make the most of it. The views across the Downs compensate for the drive out from Brighton, and the area works well as a stopping point on a longer walking route rather than a destination in its own right.

History enthusiasts will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're interested in Sussex's past and the old routes across the Downs. Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming unless you're already out walking - there's no visitor centre or facilities, so it's very much a back-to-nature sort of stop. The real appeal is in combining it with proper downland walking and exploring the wider landscape.

Stay based at one of the nearby campsites like Chalky Downs or Three Ponds Holiday Park and you can explore Harvey's Cross as part of a bigger day out on the Downs. Free to visit, obviously, and accessible year-round. Plan on twenty minutes here unless you're making a proper walking afternoon of it.