Serious walkers have the gorgeous traffic-free South Downs Way within a 10-minute drive, while for active times on the water there's canoe and kayak hire in peaceful surroundings down the road at Pulborough (10 minutes; parking available at the station). If you're interested in mountain bike hire, a dinosaur play area for the kids and more watersports opportunities, Southwater Country Park (20 minutes) is within easy reach as well. For something just a little less active, there's Steyning village (20 minutes) with its independent shops, St. Mary's House and Gardens (20 minutes) with its lovingly landscaped grounds and Petworth House and Park (30 minutes), a Grade I-listed country manor with 900 years of history to discover. Staying on a historical theme, you could continue through the countryside to Arundel (20 minutes), home to a spectacular medieval castle, a cathedral, a wetlands centre and a boating lake. Chichester (half an hour) has similar vibes with its cathedral close, art galleries and cobbled streets, while Brighton (40 minutes) is unlikely to disappoint with its iconic Pavilion, seafront, pier and Volk's Electric Railway.