Leythorne Lake

A quiet stretch of water just outside Chichester, Leythorne Lake is the sort of place locals know about and visitors often miss. It's a proper freshwater lake - nothing flashy, just peaceful water fringed with reeds and the occasional angler casting a line. You can walk around it, sit and watch the wildlife, or simply use it as a breathing space between exploring Chichester itself and the coastal bits nearby.

The lake works best for people who want a gentle stroll rather than a destination in itself. Birdwatchers will find plenty to occupy an hour or two - wildfowl are regular visitors, especially in winter. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow pace. Bring binoculars. Families with young children might find an hour here quite enough unless the kids are genuinely keen on ducks.

If you're staying at Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park, you're practically on top of it - literally 0.3 miles away. Even from the other caravan parks dotted around - Haven Church Farm or Camp and Touring site at Old Farm Slindon - it's a manageable drive for a morning outing. The lake slots in nicely with a broader West Sussex holiday that includes Chichester's market town charm and the coastal attractions towards Bognor Regis.

Access appears to be free and there are no reported opening hours, suggesting it's a public right-of-way sort of place. Best visited outside peak summer weekends when it actually feels tranquil rather than crowded with day-trippers.