Mill Hill

The windmill that crowns Mill Hill near Newhaven is a proper landmark - you can spot it from miles around if you know where to look. It's not a massive climb from the town itself, but the path gets steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs by the time you reach the top. The reward is a decent panorama across the South Downs towards the coast, and on a clear day you can see right out towards Seaford and the cliffs beyond.

It's the kind of walk that works well for families who don't mind a bit of huffing and puffing - nothing technical, just a steady gradient. You're looking at maybe forty minutes there and back, depending on fitness. The mill itself is weathered and honest, no fancy visitor centre or tea shop, which somehow makes it feel more authentic. History types will appreciate that it's been grinding away up there since the 18th century, though it's not operational now.

If you're staying at Three Ponds Holiday Park just down the road, this is a natural half-morning outing. Combine it with a wander around Newhaven town itself or push on to explore more of the Downs. The walk is best on a dry day - muddy clay underfoot when it's wet - and worth doing in late afternoon when the light's golden and you've got the hill mostly to yourself. Free to access, no facilities at the summit, so bring water.