Chesworth Farm, Horsham

The River Arun winds through Chesworth Farm like it owns the place, and in many ways it does. This working farm and nature reserve sits just outside Horsham, where ancient woodland meets open grassland and the water does most of the talking. You're here to walk, really - there are proper trails that loop through the reserve, and on a decent day the paths are well-tended enough that you won't spend half your time wrestling with nettles.

It's the sort of place where you'll actually see things if you're paying attention. Kingfishers if you're lucky and quiet. Plenty of bird life year-round. The woodland sections feel proper old, the sort of trees that have watched centuries pass. The open areas by the river give you space to breathe and let kids run ahead without constant worry.

Walkers will get the most from Chesworth - allow a solid couple of hours if you're doing the full circuit at a comfortable pace. Families with younger children might stick to the easier sections near the river. It's free to access and there's no faffing about with tickets or peak times to worry about.

If you're camping at Raylands Country Park just two miles away, or any of the half-dozen sites scattered around Horsham, Chesworth makes a proper half-day excursion. It's not dramatic or showy, but it's the kind of place that quietly reminds you why you came to Sussex in the first place.