Swanborough Hill

The walk up Swanborough Hill from the Brighton side is straightforward enough, though your legs will know about it by the top. It's not a mountain - we're talking 213 metres - but the South Downs way it's positioned means you get proper views across to the sea and back over the weald once you're up there. The summit itself is fairly modest. No cairn, no dramatic viewpoint structure, just grassland and the satisfaction of having made it.

History types might enjoy knowing this sits along the ancient drovers' routes, though there's nothing obvious on the ground to tell you that unless you're really paying attention. Walkers will appreciate it most - the climb takes around forty-five minutes from the nearest car parks, and it's a solid leg-stretch without being punishing. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might grumble about the gradient.

Go early morning if you can. Late afternoon light is decent too, but the hill can feel a bit exposed in poor weather. Free, obviously - it's the South Downs. Allow a couple of hours if you're combining it with a longer ridge walk.

If you're staying at Three Ponds Holiday Park or Blackberry Wood, this makes a satisfying half-day excursion that doesn't require driving far. It's not a destination in itself, but paired with other Downs walks near Brighton, it's worth doing.