Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Sussex Wildlife Trust

The cliffs here are proper impressive - white chalk dropping sheer to the shale beach below, with the Channel stretching out beyond. Seaford Head Nature Reserve sits just outside Newhaven and it's a straightforward walk along the headland with views that justify the trip, even on a grey day.

You're looking at around two hours if you do the full loop, though plenty of people just walk to the viewpoint and turn back. The paths are well maintained by Sussex Wildlife Trust, who manage the whole thing. Bring binoculars. The reserve is known for migrating birds in spring and autumn - warblers, chats, the occasional rarity - and if you're into wildflowers, the clifftop scrub comes alive in late spring with bird's-foot trefoil and horseshoe vetch.

It's free to walk round, no gates or ticketing, though parking can be tight in summer. Go early or catch it mid-week if you can. Families with primary-age kids will manage fine, though toddlers might struggle with the terrain and it's windy enough to make you hold onto small hands near the edge.

If you're staying at Three Ponds Holiday Park just up the road, this is an obvious morning out. The reserve works well either before or after exploring Newhaven itself - you could easily fit both into a day. Not a massive detour if you're passing through anyway, but worth making a proper walk of it rather than a quick look.