Slindon Park

You'll find yourself on chalky grassland that feels properly remote despite being just outside Arundel. Slindon Park is a nature reserve that doesn't shout about itself - no visitor centre, no gift shop, just open downland where you can actually breathe. The walking here is genuinely good, with clear paths that wind through the park and decent views across West Sussex if you pick the right vantage points.

It's a walker's place, full stop. The chalk soil means decent drainage, so you can tackle it year-round without returning to your car covered in mud. Birdwatchers get proper value too - you'll spot skylarks, buzzards, and if you're lucky, the occasional kestrel. The park's quiet enough that you won't be fighting crowds, though summer weekends bring families from nearby Arundel.

Allow 90 minutes to two hours depending on which loops you fancy. There's no admission charge that I'm aware of, and it costs nothing to park. Bring binoculars if you're into birds, and decent boots if it's been wet. Children under ten might find it a bit tame - there's not much to interact with beyond walking and looking.

If you're staying at Butlins in Bognor Regis and fancy half a day away from the amusements, Slindon works as a proper contrast. It's an easy drive, and you'll feel like you've actually seen something of rural Sussex rather than just the coast.