New Lake

You won't need a map to find New Lake - it's right on the doorstep of Chichester, just a short walk from the high street. This is proper lake country in miniature, a freshwater expanse that's become something of a local secret among birdwatchers and anyone wanting to escape the market town bustle without actually going anywhere.

The walk around the perimeter is manageable and genuinely pleasant, with decent sightlines across the water. You'll spot waterfowl year-round, and if you're here in autumn migration season, the serious birders arrive with their telescopes. It's the sort of place where you could easily spend an hour just sitting on a bench, or make it a quick 20-minute circuit if you're passing through.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is either refreshing or frustrating depending on your mood. The lake itself is free to access and there's no formal admission charge, though the nearest car park will have standard rates.

If you're staying at Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park - literally less than half a mile away - you're essentially on top of the thing. Even from the other parks dotted around Bognor Regis and beyond, it's an easy drive for a leg-stretch. Pair it with a proper walk around Chichester's city walls afterwards, or combine it with the open spaces of Goodwood. For families, it's too low-key to fill a whole afternoon unless your children are genuinely into birds, but for a meditative pause during a park holiday, it does the job.