Quarry Lake

A former chalk quarry turned into a proper little lake just outside Chichester - that's Quarry Lake for you. The water's clear enough to see why it's become a magnet for swimmers and kayakers, though the surrounding grassland is what makes it worth the trip if you're after something low-key.

It's the sort of place where walkers outnumber tourists, which is refreshing. The paths around the perimeter are manageable - nothing strenuous - and you get decent views across the water without having to scramble about. Birdwatchers tend to linger longer than most; the place attracts cormorants and herons if you're patient. Swimming's permitted during designated seasons, so check ahead if that's your plan.

Families with younger kids will find it peaceful rather than thrilling - no fairground noise, no crowds fighting for ice cream. Teenagers might manage an hour before restlessness sets in. Walkers and nature types will stay all morning without noticing the time.

If you're camped at Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park - literally a few minutes away - this becomes an easy morning sortie before heading into the cathedral city proper. Haven Church Farm and the other sites within five miles make it convenient for a half-day outing that doesn't require logistics. It's free to visit, and there's usually space to park near the entrance.

Not a destination you'd plan a holiday around, but absolutely worth slotting in if you're in the area. Honest, untroubled, and genuinely quiet.