Lancing Hill

You won't find queues or visitor centres at Lancing Hill - it's simply a proper walk up the South Downs with views that justify the effort. The summit sits above the small town of Lancing, and on a clear day you can see right across the Weald toward the coast. The walk itself takes about an hour from the town depending on your fitness, climbing steadily through farmland and open downland until you reach the trig point at the top.

This is one for walkers and anyone after some genuine fresh air rather than a packaged attraction. Kids who like scrambling about will enjoy it; those after ice cream and a gift shop will be disappointed. The views from up here are genuinely good - proper Sussex countryside rolling away in all directions - though it does get windy at the summit so dress accordingly.

There's no charge to visit and it's accessible year-round, though spring and autumn make the walk most pleasant. Allow a couple of hours including time to sit at the top with a flask. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - The Barn or Beach Park are just down the road in Lancing itself - this makes an excellent morning's outing before heading elsewhere. Foot of the Downs and Downsview Park are a bit further out but still within easy striking distance for a day trip. The walk is straightforward enough for most abilities, though the final stretch does get a touch steep, and there's nothing much at the top itself, so go for the walking and the views rather than expecting facilities.