The Swipes Camping

Swipes Camping isn’t far from some of the most spectacular stretches of the South Downs, the deep bowl-like valley of the Devil’s Dyke among them 30 minutes’ drive away. For wildlife, drive 20 minutes to the 160-hectare RSPB Pulborough Brooks and attempt to spot species including peregrines, lapwings and nightingales as well as rare-breed cattle. For cultural types, the historic town of Arundel on the banks of the Avon river 25 minutes by car is well worth visiting for the handsome Arundel Park Estate (try circling Swanbourne Lake for scenic water views as well) and restored 11th-century Arundel Castle. Another manor can be seen on a trip to Petworth House (35 minutes), which has grounds to picnic in and displays a fine art collection belonging to the National Trust.