Little Long

Little Long is a small freshwater lake just outside Chichester, the kind of place you'd stumble upon while driving between the South Downs and the coast rather than deliberately seek out. That said, it's a decent spot for a quiet walk, especially if you're staying at Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park right next door - you're practically neighbours.

The lake itself is modest but pleasant. You get a proper circuit walk around the perimeter, which takes about thirty to forty minutes depending on how slowly you potter. The water's clear enough, and on a calm day it's genuinely peaceful - rare for somewhere so close to a major town. Birdwatchers do well here; I've seen grebes and cormorants, plus the usual suspects of mallards and coots. Families with young children will find it manageable, though there's nothing to write home about in terms of facilities or attractions.

Free access as far as I can tell, though I'd suggest checking locally before you turn up. Early morning or late afternoon are best if you want to avoid dog walkers and joggers.

As a solo diversion during a park holiday in West Sussex, it works perfectly. Combine it with a trip into Chichester itself - the cathedral and market town are worth half a day - or point yourself toward the seaside at Bognor Regis (where Butlins and several other parks cluster). It's not going to change your life, but it's a tidy little breather from busier attractions.