Commanche Camping

Sweet views, fresh air and more than one great beach are to be expected on the East Sussex coast. Launch a sea kayak, paddleboard or other watersports rental from one of the closest spots, Eastbourne (half an hour’s drive), or stick around the19th-century pier and art museum back on dry land. Beachy Head (35 minutes) is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, so well worth the visit. Other options for a dose of sea air (and a few sightseeing spots) include Brighton (50 minutes), with its busy beachfront and aquarium, or Hastings (40 minutes) with its old town, cliff railway and country park. Those of you who have kids joining you on your adventure may want to make the most out of the petting farm and owl sanctuary at Knockhatch Adventure Park (15 minutes’ drive), or let the kids do what kids do on the waterslides, rowing lake and soft play areas. The local leisure centre (15 minutes) also has soft play, bowling, a gym, swimming pool and café. For something rather more historic, head to Herstmonceux Castle (15 minutes), a cool moated 15th-century brick castle.