Goodwood Monument

The Monument sits alone on the South Downs near Chichester, a tall stone tower that catches you off guard when you crest the hill. Built in 1887 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, it's one of those Victorian follies that makes you wonder what on earth possessed someone to stick a 60-foot pillar in the middle of nowhere. The views justify it, though. From up here, the Downs roll away in all directions - proper South Downs scenery, no shortcuts.

It's the sort of place that appeals to walkers and countryside enthusiasts more than casual tourists. You won't spend hours here - half an hour is realistic unless you're doing a longer hike across the Downs. The Monument itself is closed to the public, so you're really visiting for the views and the walk to get there. The approach involves a bit of a trudge uphill, which keeps the crowds manageable.

If you're staying at Bow Hill Farm caravan site nearby, this sits nicely into a day's walking itinerary. It's the kind of spot you stumble upon when you're properly exploring the area rather than ticking off a list. Free to visit and accessible year-round, though the path can be muddy in winter. Go on a clear day - any haze and you lose the whole point of being up there.