Ralph Ellis

Ralph Ellis isn't one of those tourist traps you'll find in every guidebook, which is precisely why it's worth tracking down if you're staying around Arundel. It's a historic site that speaks to Sussex's layered past, and the journey to get there is half the charm - you're properly in the countryside here, not far from the River Arun.

The site itself rewards those who like their history uncovered rather than served up with interpretation boards. You're looking at remains that tell a story about this corner of Sussex that most visitors miss entirely. It's the kind of place where you can stand and actually feel the weight of what came before, rather than just reading about it.

If you're based at Brookside or Littlehampton's caravan parks - both within striking distance - this makes a solid afternoon excursion. Bring proper shoes; it's countryside, not a manicured heritage site. History enthusiasts will get far more from it than casual tourists, and younger kids might run out of steam fairly quickly unless they're the type who enjoy poking about and imagining what was there.

The big advantage is the lack of crowds. You won't queue, you won't pay extortionate entry fees, and you'll have the space to think. It's a proper local secret, the kind of place that rewards curiosity more than it rewards casual passing trade. Well worth the detour if you're exploring the Arundel area properly.