St. Mary's House & Gardens

The gardens at St. Mary's House deserve a proper afternoon if you're camping anywhere near Lancing. This is a genuine Tudor manor with grounds that genuinely reward a wander - the kind of place where you'll stumble on something unexpected around each corner rather than everything being sign-posted to death.

You're looking at period rooms, some genuinely striking furniture, and the sort of gardens that clearly get proper attention. The layout feels lived-in rather than museum-sterile, which matters when you're dragging family round on a grey Sussex afternoon. Kids won't be bored senseless for an hour or two, though older history enthusiasts will linger longer over the house itself.

The gardens are the real draw. Herbaceous borders actually look like someone knows what they're doing, there are decent trees for shade, and the whole thing moves at a pace you can control - no rushed queuing, no audio guides. Spring's the obvious choice if you can time it, but even in summer the place has genuine character.

Since you're likely based at one of the caravan parks - Beach Park is closest at under five miles, or Blacklands Farm if you want the best reviews - St. Mary's slots in nicely as a half-day addition to coastal time around Shoreham. It's proper Sussex, the sort of outing that makes sense when you're staying put for a few days rather than ticking boxes. Check opening before you go and allow a good couple of hours if the gardens are on form.