Chichester

Roman walls still encircle much of this cathedral city, creating an atmosphere that's both ancient and refreshingly down-to-earth. Unlike other West Sussex towns that can feel tourist-heavy, Chichester maintains a proper working city feel - locals shopping on North Street, students from the university grabbing coffee, theatre-goers heading to the Festival Theatre.

The cathedral dominates the skyline, naturally, but it's the surrounding South Downs that really steal the show. Step outside the city centre and you're immediately into some of England's finest walking country. Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve protects what's believed to be Europe's largest yew forest - the ancient trees here are genuinely mystical, some over 2,000 years old. The Grandfather Yew Tree stands as a particular highlight, its massive trunk requiring several people to encircle it.

Climbing any of the nearby downs rewards with cracking views. Bow Hill offers perhaps the best vantage point over the city and coast, while Telegraph Hill provides sweeping panoramas across the Weald. Apple Down and Compton Down make for excellent afternoon walks, especially when the chalk grassland flowers in summer.

Archaeology buffs will find plenty to explore. Downley House reveals Romano-British remains, while Goosehill Camp preserves Iron Age earthworks. The area's been continuously settled for millennia, and you feel that weight of history everywhere.

Getting here's straightforward - direct trains from London Victoria take 90 minutes, and the A27 provides decent road access from east and west. Basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to wander into the city for dinner or a show, yet properly positioned for exploring the downs. Places like Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park put you right between city and countryside, while spots near Graffham offer deeper immersion in the downland landscape.