Bow Hill

Bow Hill is one of those South Downs peaks that rewards a proper walk without demanding mountaineering skills. The summit sits at 217 metres and offers proper views across the weald - on a clear day you can see right down to Brighton and the coast. It's not a scramble, more a steady climb through woodland that opens onto chalky grassland the higher you get.

The walk from Hassocks takes about an hour each way, depending on your fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections. The terrain is manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might find the steady incline tedious. Walkers and serious ramamblers get the most from it - the views reward the effort, and it connects well with the wider South Downs Way if you fancy extending your day out.

It's free to visit, and there's no set opening times - you just turn up. Spring and early summer work best when the chalk grassland is dotted with wildflowers. Skip it in heavy rain as the chalk gets slippery.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites like Blackberry Wood or Southdown Way, Bow Hill makes an excellent half-day adventure. The South Downs Walking Route passes through the area, so it fits naturally into a longer park holiday. Hassocks itself is small, so come prepared with snacks and water.