Steyning Bowl

The Steyning Bowl is a proper geological feature - a distinctive chalk amphitheatre carved into the South Downs just inland from Lancing. It's the kind of place that makes you realise how the landscape was shaped over millennia, with steep white slopes rising up in a natural bowl formation that's genuinely striking when you see it in person.

You don't go here for facilities or attractions in the traditional sense. There are no visitor centres or gift shops. What you get instead is a dramatic viewpoint and a good walk if you fancy tackling the slopes - it's handy for hikers working their way through the Downs or anyone after a proper landscape to photograph. The chalk faces can be bright white after rain, which photographs brilliantly, though the paths get muddy. Families with older kids who enjoy walking will manage it fine; younger children might find the steep sections a bit much depending on their legs.

Timing-wise, allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're just stopping for views and a quick potter about. Go midweek if you can - weekends attract more walkers given it's within striking distance of several caravan parks dotted around the area, including Washington and The Barn, both roughly 3.5 miles away.

It's genuinely worth the detour if you're staying at one of the nearby parks and fancy breaking up a holiday with some proper Sussex countryside. Just don't expect crowds or commercial tourism - that's the appeal.