Prince George Lock

Walk along the River Adur near Henfield and you'll stumble on Prince George Lock, a proper slice of Sussex waterway history. It's a working lock that still regulates water flow on the river, built centuries back when navigation mattered far more than it does today. You don't get grand architecture here - it's functional, weathered brick and wooden gates, the sort of thing that only truly appeals if you're interested in how inland waterways actually operated.

The lock sits in a quiet stretch of the Adur, ideal for walkers doing a longer river ramble rather than a destination in itself. History types will appreciate its engineering and age, but most families will spend ten minutes tops before moving on. There's no visitor centre, no café, no fuss - just the lock doing its job, much as it has for decades.

If you're camped at Eastern Sands, The Barn, or Beach Park within three miles of Henfield, Prince George Lock makes a straightforward addition to a riverside walk. It's free to look at, and you can access the towpath without paying anything. Early morning or late afternoon gets you the best light and fewer people. Worth the detour only if you're already walking the Adur Valley; don't drive specially to see it. Late spring through early autumn beats winter when the path gets boggy.