Priory Park

Priory Park sits on the edge of Chichester, a proper local spot that most visitors to the area completely miss. It's a nature reserve rather than a polished tourist attraction - the kind of place where you'll actually see wildlife instead of just reading about it on interpretation boards.

The park itself centres around walking trails through meadows and woodland, with the ruins of an old priory lurking among the trees. On a decent day, you get views across the South Downs, and the paths are well-maintained without feeling over-managed. There's a genuine sense of discovery here, especially if you head off the main routes.

Who'll get the most from it? Walkers and nature enthusiasts, definitely. Birdwatchers come specifically for this place - the wetland areas attract everything from herons to finches depending on the season. Families with reasonably energetic kids will manage fine on the main loops, though there's not much to hold under-fives' attention once the novelty of the ruins wears off after thirty minutes or so.

The admission details are fuzzy - access appears free, which is refreshing. Allow two to three hours if you're doing the full circuit at a gentle pace. Spring and autumn are best for avoiding crowds and keeping cool on the paths.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Chichester Lakeside is practically on your doorstep at just over a mile away - Priory Park makes an excellent morning outing before hitting Chichester's cathedral and market town properly. It's the kind of place that justifies a day outside the caravan rather than another theme park.