Newmarket Hill

The walk up Newmarket Hill rewards you with proper views across the Sussex Downs - the sort of vista that makes the leg work feel justified. It's not a massive climb, but it's steep enough to get the blood moving, and the surrounding downland has that open, rolling character that makes South East England feel genuinely wild if you catch it on a quiet day.

You're looking at rolling grassland, chalk slopes, and on a clear day, sight lines that stretch for miles. Walkers will appreciate this more than casual visitors - it's not the kind of spot where you park up and admire from the car. You need to actually get out and work for the view. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper hike will find it worthwhile; younger children might struggle with the gradient and lack of facilities.

Being so close to Brighton (just south of the town) makes it an excellent half-day addition to a seaside break. The Downs around here connect well with other walking routes, so you can string together longer days if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Chalky Downs is practically on your doorstep at under a mile away. Southdown Way and Three Ponds offer better facilities if you're planning to base yourself for a week.

Timing matters. Weekday mornings are quieter and the light's better for photographs. There's no facilities on the hill itself, so bring water. Entry is free, as with most UK downland access, but do respect the landscape - it's working farmland with public rights of way.