Minnis Rock

The cave at Minnis Rock is a proper little curiosity tucked into the Sussex coastline near Hastings - the sort of thing you stumble upon while exploring rather than plan a day around. It's a small natural sea cave formed into the sandstone cliffs, best viewed from the beach at low tide when you can actually get close enough to poke about inside. Don't expect vast underground chambers or ancient stalactites. This is more of a 15-minute diversion than a destination in itself, though if you're the type who enjoys geological oddments and aren't fussed by crowds, it's worth knowing about.

The cave itself is free to access - it's just there in the rock face - but timing matters enormously. You'll need to check the tide tables before you go, as high tide cuts off access entirely. The beach approach from Hastings takes a bit of scrambling over shingle, so it's not ideal for young children or anyone with mobility issues, though teenagers might find the scramble more entertaining than the cave itself.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Beaulieu Farm is closest at just over 2 miles out - this works as a quick coastal jaunt to break up a rainy afternoon. Combine it with a proper walk along the beach towards Hastings itself rather than making it your main event. The appeal is mainly to walkers and geology enthusiasts rather than families after a day-long adventure. Go at low tide, take a torch, and keep expectations modest.