Lancing

The railway line cuts straight through this West Sussex coastal town, dividing it between the sea and the South Downs. That positioning gives Lancing its particular character - part seaside, part downland village, never quite sure which it wants to be.

Lancing Beach Green sits right by the shingle shore, a proper stretch of grass where families spread out picnics and dogs chase tennis balls. The beach itself isn't much to write home about - it's functional rather than scenic. But walk five minutes east and you're in Worthing proper, where Worthing Pier extends into the English Channel and the seafront comes alive.

Worthing Museum & Gallery makes for a decent rainy day option, while the town's thriving arts scene includes galleries like East Beach Studios and the Cloud Gallery Fine Art. The Worthing Lido offers outdoor swimming when the sea feels too bracing, though locals will tell you the Channel's perfectly fine once you're in.

Behind the town, the South Downs rise dramatically. Those chalk hills provide cracking walks and cycling routes, with the Downs Way passing right through the area. From the ridge, you get proper views across to the Isle of Wight on clear days.

Getting here couldn't be easier - Lancing station sits on the Brighton to Portsmouth line, with regular trains from London Victoria taking about an hour and twenty minutes. The A27 runs along the foot of the downs if you're driving.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Washington Caravan & Camping Park or Foot of the Downs puts you perfectly placed for exploring both the coast and countryside. You're close enough to Brighton for day trips, but far enough out to escape the crowds.