Lydden Temple Ewell National Nature Reserve

You'll find yourself in a proper slice of Kent chalk downland when you reach Lydden Temple Ewell, a national nature reserve that sits roughly 6 miles from Dover. It's not some grand monument - the draw here is the landscape itself. The reserve protects a stretch of unimproved grassland that's absolutely thriving with wildflowers come late spring and summer. Orchids, marjoram, bird's-foot trefoil - the sort of thing that makes botanists get genuinely excited.

The walking is straightforward enough for families, though you'll need reasonable fitness if you're tackling the steeper bits of the chalk slope. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice rather than just a quick wander. Late May through July is when you'll see the flowers at their best - earlier in the season and you'll find mostly green grass and not much else.

History buffs might perk up at the name. There's an old temple site here, though honestly the earthworks aren't exactly dramatic to look at. What makes it worth the trip is the genuine rarity of the habitat - this type of chalk grassland has nearly vanished from southern England. Kingsdown Camping sits about 6 miles away if you're basing yourself nearby, making this a solid half-day excursion from your holiday park. It's the sort of place that rewards you for getting off the main tourist drag.