Pett Level Sunken Forest

Walk along Pett Level and you'll stumble across something genuinely unusual - the remains of a forest that's been slowly reclaimed by the sea. These weathered tree stumps and roots poking out of the shingle and mud are what's left of woodland that thrived here centuries ago, before the coastline shifted and the water moved in. It's not dramatic in the way coastal cliffs are, but there's something properly haunting about it.

You're basically looking at an open-air archaeological site, though there's no visitor centre or interpretation boards - just the remnants themselves and the Beach at Winchelsea a short walk away. Allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on tide and how much you want to potter about. Come at low tide if you can, when more of the forest floor is exposed. Walkers and geology types will find it far more compelling than families after a traditional seaside day out; young kids might lose interest quickly once they've clocked the stumps.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though winter storms can shift things around. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Winchelsea Sands is closest at under three miles - it makes for an easy add-on to a coastal walk rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with exploring Winchelsea's medieval streets and you've got a proper morning sorted. The Rye Harbour area is also within reach, so you could string together a good few hours of coastal exploration without needing to move base.