Palatine Park

Palatine Park sits just outside Worthing as a proper working nature reserve rather than a manicured attraction - the kind of place where you're more likely to spot a heron than find a gift shop. It's a freshwater wetland that draws serious birdwatchers and casual wanderers alike, with viewing areas dotted around pools and reedbeds where you can actually stand a chance of seeing something interesting without binoculars welded to your face.

The reserve works best for patient types who don't need constant action. You're looking at a couple of hours maximum unless you're genuinely into ornithology, in which case you could spend half a day here. Spring and autumn are when the migratory birds turn up, making those seasons worth timing your visit around. Families with older kids who can manage a bit of walking will get more from it than toddlers will - it's not a playground, and there's nowhere to burn off energy quickly.

It's free to access, which is the main thing in its favour given you're not paying holiday park fees for Onslow or Brook Lane. The real appeal is having something proper to do during a caravan stay at one of the nearby sites rather than just sitting by your pitch. It fits well between beach days and the sort of rainy afternoon when you need to get out without committing to anything elaborate. Don't expect facilities - bring decent shoes and check what's about before you arrive, because information online is thin on the ground.