Lime kiln

The remains of an old lime kiln sit quietly on the Sussex Downs near Henfield, a sobering reminder of the industrial graft that once sustained this corner of England. These stone structures were built to burn chalk and limestone, producing quicklime for building mortar and agricultural use - backbreaking work that fed the region's construction boom centuries ago.

What you're actually looking at is typically a circular or oval stone structure, sometimes partially collapsed, sometimes with sections of the original kiln still standing. It's the sort of thing that rewards a bit of poking around if you're into industrial archaeology or local history. The setting, usually in open countryside, gives you a sense of how isolated these operations were.

Historians and heritage enthusiasts will get far more out of this than casual day-trippers. Kids will find it moderately interesting for about ten minutes before asking if there's a café nearby. It's the kind of stop you'd combine with a proper walk across the Downs rather than a destination in itself.

The proximity to Foot of the Downs caravan park, just a short walk away, makes it a logical add-on if you're based in the area. Downsview Park is also nearby. Access is typically free and unrestricted, though you'll want sturdy shoes and should approach any ruins with caution. Best visited on a clear day when you can actually see across the Downs - foggy mornings rather defeat the purpose.