Laddies field

A proper working nature reserve just inland from Bexhill-on-Sea, Laddies Field is the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-off. The reserve protects grassland and wetland habitat, which means you're looking at birds, insects, and wildflowers depending on the season - spring and early summer are genuinely worth timing your visit for.

It's ideal for walkers who actually want to spot something, rather than just rack up steps. Families with kids old enough to manage a pair of binoculars will get far more out of it than toddlers running riot. Birdwatchers are in their element here, though patience is required - you won't see a golden eagle, but you might clock a kestrel or hear a skylark properly.

The exact opening hours aren't straightforward - it's worth checking locally before you head over from Bexhill. Admission appears to be free, which is refreshing. Allow two hours minimum if you're genuinely looking to see wildlife; an hour if you're just after a moorland walk.

If you're camped at Beech Estate Campsite nearby, this fills the gap between a proper seaside day and another beach walk. It's low-key enough that it won't feel like a tourist attraction, but that's precisely the appeal. Bring binoculars, proper shoes, and reasonable expectations about what Sussex grassland can deliver.