Centenary Park (Big Park)

The Centenary Park sprawls across Sussex near Newhaven as a proper working nature reserve, not some manicured public garden. You get woodland, grassland, and water features - the sort of place where you might actually spot something interesting rather than just walk in circles admiring the view.

It's genuinely good for walkers who want a bit of purpose to their ramble. The paths are manageable, the space feels properly wild in places, and there's enough variety to keep you engaged for a couple of hours without it feeling like a slog. Birdwatchers will have the most fun here - bring binoculars and patience. Families with older kids will find it decent enough; younger ones might flag after an hour unless they're the sort who get excited about spotting birds.

As a base, it works well paired with the nearby holiday parks. Three Ponds is just 2.2 miles away and gets solid reviews, while Chalky Downs at 5.2 miles is apparently the pick of the bunch if you can book it. You could easily combine a morning or afternoon here with other Sussex attractions - Newhaven's not far, and the South Downs are within reach if you fancy something more dramatic.

Check ahead for opening hours and whether there's a gate fee, as details aren't widely publicised. Early morning visits tend to be best for wildlife, so plan accordingly. It's not flashy, but it's the sort of place that grows on you once you're walking it.