Worthing

The seafront stretches for miles here, with a proper Victorian pier that's somehow managed to avoid the worst excesses of seaside tat. Worthing feels like Brighton's calmer cousin - still lively enough for a decent night out, but without the crowds that make you want to escape back to London on the first train.

Three train stations serve the town, making it dead easy to reach from the capital. West Worthing and Goring-by-Sea bookend the seafront, while Durrington-on-Sea sits inland. The pier might not win any beauty contests, but it does the job on a sunny afternoon.

What sets this stretch of coast apart is Highdown Hill, rising dramatically behind the town. The climb up rewards you with cracking views across the Channel, and Highdown Gardens at the summit make the trek well worth it. These chalk downland gardens feel miles from the seaside bustle below.

Inland, Palatine Park offers a proper green escape, while Whitebeam Woods provides decent walking if you fancy stretching your legs. The town itself has enough going on - Worthing Leisure Centre keeps families happy, and there's a surprising cultural scene brewing around places like Loft Gallery At The Orange Tree.

Using a park base here makes real sense. South Downs Caravan Park has solid reviews and puts you within striking distance of both coast and countryside. You can walk to the beach for morning swims, then head up into the downs for afternoon walks. The transport links mean day trips to Brighton or even London are perfectly doable, but honestly, you might find yourself staying put more than expected.