Southbourne Recreation Ground

The Recreation Ground at Southbourne is one of those places you'd walk past without thinking twice if you didn't know what you were looking at. But stop, and you'll find a proper little nature reserve tucked between Emsworth and the wider Sussex countryside - all salt marshes, reed beds, and paths that wind through genuinely interesting habitat.

It's quiet here. The kind of quiet where you actually notice birdsong. Depending on the season, you might spot avocets, little egrets, or curlews picking through the mud flats. If you're into wildlife photography or serious birdwatching, this is worth a dedicated visit. Casual nature lovers will enjoy a gentle walk, though there's not much in the way of facilities - you're banking on decent weather and a willingness to squelch about a bit.

The ground itself is free to access, and you can easily spend an hour here without rushing, though most people come and go in thirty minutes. Bring binoculars. Bring a field guide if you're keen. The paths are mostly flat and manageable, though they can be muddy depending on rainfall - wellies aren't a bad shout.

If you're basing yourselves at Bow Hill Farm caravan site down the road, this makes a pleasant morning outing before heading into Emsworth for lunch. It's not a destination that'll occupy your entire holiday, but combined with the coastal walks and village pubs nearby, it slots in nicely as part of a broader Sussex exploration.