Hassocks

Rolling chalk downland stretches endlessly from this quiet West Sussex town, where commuter trains still stop but the pace feels properly rural. Hassocks sits snugly in a valley between the South Downs, making it a cracking base for serious walking without the crowds you'll find closer to Brighton.

Climb north from the village and you'll reach Ditchling Beacon, the highest point on the South Downs at 248 metres. The views are spectacular on a clear day - right across to the Isle of Wight on one side, London's towers glinting on the other. National Trust keeps the area in good nick, though it gets busy at weekends. Better midweek if you want the place to yourself.

That famous landmark, the Jack and Jill Windmills, stands proud on Clayton Hill just west of town. The white post mill and black tower mill make for proper postcard stuff, though only Jack (the white one) still has working sails. From here you can see why this stretch of downland inspired so many artists.

Ditchling village lies just over the hill, worth the walk for its excellent museum showcasing local arts and crafts heritage. The Chattri Memorial on the downs nearby marks where Indian soldiers who died in Brighton's hospitals during WWI were cremated - a moving spot that few visitors stumble upon.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Direct trains from London Victoria take about 50 minutes, while Brighton's just 15 minutes south. The A23 runs right past if you're driving.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're ideally placed for downland walks without the Brighton crowds, yet close enough for seaside day trips. Wild Boar Wood and Blackberry Wood both offer peaceful spots among the hills, while sites like Southdown Way put you right on the walking routes.