Chichester

Roman walls still circle this cathedral city, creating an unexpectedly intimate urban centre where you can walk the medieval street plan in minutes. Chichester feels properly lived-in rather than touristy - locals actually shop on the high street, and the Wednesday market still matters. The cathedral spire dominates everything, visible from miles around across the South Downs.

There's water everywhere once you know where to look. A string of lakes - Leythorne, Peckham, Vinnetrow - dot the countryside just outside town, many originally gravel pits that nature has reclaimed. The Chichester Watersports Centre makes the most of this, though the sailing here is more about messing about than serious racing. Triangle Lake and the twin Trout Lakes are quieter spots for a proper walk.

The South Downs rise dramatically just north of town, while Chichester Harbour stretches south towards the sea. It's brilliant countryside for cycling - mostly flat with the odd gentle incline. You're twenty minutes from Goodwood, half an hour from the coast at West Wittering.

Getting here is dead easy. The A27 runs right past, and there's a decent train service from London Victoria. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, though you'll want wheels to reach those lakes and the surrounding villages.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks gives you the best of both worlds - proper countryside peace but close enough to nip into town for dinner or shopping. Several sit within easy reach of both the cathedral and those surprisingly numerous lakes that make this corner of West Sussex feel more watery than you'd expect.