National Trust - East Head

East Head is a proper bit of Hampshire coastline run by the National Trust, sticking out into Chichester Harbour near Hayling Island. It's a sandy spit with shingle beach, marram grass-covered dunes, and salt marsh behind - the sort of place where you can actually see how the coast works rather than just walk along it. The views across the harbour are decent, especially at sunset when the water goes all bronze and the light catches the distant hills.

What you're doing here is walking. There are paths through the nature reserve, along the beach, and round the harbour edge - nothing too demanding, mostly flat ground. Birdwatchers love it because the marshes and mudflats pull in waders and terns, so bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing. Families with younger kids will manage fine on the beach section, though it gets choppy and there's no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk.

It's free to visit and open all the time. Allow two to three hours if you're doing a proper explore, less if you just fancy a quick beach walk. The nearest towns are Hayling Island itself - where you'll find cafes and shops - and Havant further inland.

If you're staying at one of the parks nearby like Fishery Creek or Mill Rythe, East Head is an easy morning or afternoon out. It breaks up a caravan holiday nicely without requiring much planning, and the landscape is genuinely interesting rather than just another seaside stroll. Worth the drive from Hayling Island.