Patching

Ancient chalk downs roll like sleeping giants above this quiet West Sussex village, where footpaths wind through beech woods and medieval churches hide in hollows. Patching sits in that sweet spot between the South Downs and the coast - close enough to smell the sea on a good day, yet properly rural.

Rackham Hill towers above the village, offering cracking views once you've made the climb. It's a proper workout, mind you. The surrounding woodland is lovely for rambling - Richardson's Wood and Bushfield Copse provide decent cover on hot days. St Nicholas Church anchors the village centre, though it's the sort of place where you might not see another soul for hours.

Harrow Hill and Blackpatch Hill frame the landscape to the west, while Parham House sits grandly in its estate to the north. The golf course at Ham Manor keeps things civilised, though most visitors come for the walking. These downs have been tramped for centuries - you can still spot ancient earthworks if you know where to look.

Getting here means a bit of planning. The nearest proper town is Littlehampton, about six miles south, where you'll find the train station. From there it's country lanes all the way - narrow ones that get busy with walkers at weekends.

Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense if you want to explore the downs properly. South Downs Caravan Park gets decent reviews and puts you right in the thick of it. Early morning walks before the crowds arrive are the ticket here. By afternoon, you'll understand why the locals retreat to their gardens.