Lavington Park

The chalk grassland here is the real draw - a proper slice of downland that feels refreshingly undeveloped. Lavington Park sits just outside Petworth and rewards a morning wander with views across the South Downs and, if you're lucky, sightings of the orchids and butterflies that make this reserve worth the trip.

It's a walker's spot more than anything else. The paths are manageable rather than challenging, threading through open grassland with enough variation to keep you interested for a couple of hours. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; the reserve attracts kestrels and various warblers depending on season. Families with young kids might find it a bit thin on facilities - there's no cafe or visitor centre - but older children who don't need constant distraction will get on fine.

Free to access, which helps. Summer is genuinely the best time to visit if you want to see the wildflowers in full swing, though spring has its own appeal when the migrants start arriving. The nearby holiday parks - Woodfire at Westerlands is barely over a mile away, and Graffham Camping sits similarly close - make it an easy addition to a Downs-based holiday. You can knock out Lavington Park as a morning activity without it disrupting your broader plans.

Don't expect drama or a big reveal. This is understated Sussex downland at its best - the kind of place that grows on you rather than dazzles you immediately. Well worth the detour if you're exploring the area properly.