Heyshott Down

The walk up Heyshott Down rewards you with one of the finest views across the South Downs - the kind of vista that makes you understand why people move to this corner of Sussex. It's a proper hill rather than a gentle amble, and at around 200 metres elevation it commands attention without being brutal.

From the top you get sweeping countryside stretching toward Petworth and beyond, rolling chalk downland that shifts colour with the seasons. On a clear day the perspective is genuinely impressive. The path itself is manageable for most fitness levels, though it can be muddy after rain and the ascent is steady enough that you'll notice it.

This works best for walkers and anyone after some actual exercise with payoff - families with younger children might find the climb frustrating if they're not outdoor-focused types, but teenagers tend to enjoy the achievement of it. There's nothing fancy at the summit, just grass and views, which is precisely the point.

Allow 90 minutes for a round trip including a proper stop at the top. Spring and early autumn are ideal, when the downland is at its best and you're not melting on the exposed sections. The nearest caravan sites - Graffham Camping and Woodfire at Westerlands are both within a few miles - make this an excellent afternoon break from a park-based holiday. It's the sort of walk that justifies the drive to Sussex rather than keeps you entertained for a full day, but worth every step.