Princes Park

A decent sprawl of open woodland and grassland just outside Pevensey, Princes Park is the sort of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick stop-off. You're looking at a genuine nature reserve here, not a manicured park - think wilder edges, occasional boggy bits, and the kind of quiet that makes you actually hear the birds.

The walking trails meander through mixed woodland and open meadows, which means there's something different every hundred metres or so. It's an honest spot for families who don't mind a bit of mud on the shoes, and proper nature enthusiasts will find enough to keep them occupied for a couple of hours. Kids generally stay interested if you make a game of spotting wildlife - the reserve has decent bird populations and the habitat supports all sorts.

If you're staying at Pevensey Bay Holiday Park just down the road, this makes for a solid morning or afternoon escape without needing to travel far. It's also close enough to Warren Wood Country Park, which is rated higher, so you could easily combine visits depending on what you fancy. The beauty of Princes Park is that it feels genuinely wild despite being accessible - no crowds, minimal facilities, just proper countryside on your doorstep.

Allow two to three hours for a decent walk. Best visited when it's been dry for a day or two, otherwise the paths get properly boggy. Check locally for seasonal access restrictions, though it typically stays open year-round.