Every child, however citified, has an inbuilt need to crab. Picture, if you will, a particularly…read moresmall Cyberman: put a kite string in one hand, and a bucket with some old bacon rind in the other, and watch that terrifying glint take over the eye. Snowhill Creek's crabbing pond is pleasingly located a) under some barbed wire and b) by what looks like a giant swamp. It's a BRILLIANT place for children to exert their need to be kings without them getting into trouble. Mercifully, the only creatures at risk here are the crabs, and they're old hands at this game. The poor things are in and out of the water so often they may as well be hired out for Old Spice adverts. (NB: Small Cybermen + water can often have dodgy consequences if left alone, so obviously go along with them) With the gentle clink of the Creek's boats in the background, there's a ritualistic furrowing of brows as bacon is attached to kite strings and unwound into the water. Crabs often lurk against the walls. Some of them are tiny, some of them are impressively large (well, ish, but to a five-year-old they look like giant sea monsters armed with chainsaws). It's a beautiful location, and a simple English tradition. Everyone should go crabbing at least once, and several hundred bonus points if you go here.

I loved this beautiful set of lakes, they were absolutely magical. The springs that feed the Silent…read morePool (named so for how still, clear and beautiful it is) sit at the bottom end of the lake, and at the minute, you can't (aren't supposed to) go down to the end due to some subsidence on the path. I'm not saying I went down there anyway, but it's so amazing to see a natural spring. The water is a weird, blue colour and so crystal clear that you just want to dip your feet in, especially on a lovely warm day. It's an ancient, historic and oddly mythical lake. The only downside to me is that it's so small! It doesn't take twenty minutes to walk around it.

Arlington is a small reservoir, constructed in 1971 to supply water to Eastbourne, Hailsham,…read morePolegate and Heathfield. Built on the site of part of the Cuckmere River bed, the reservoir is an oval shape, with a long curving dam. The maximum depth is 37ft (11.3m) and its total capacity is 3546 million litres of water, all abstracted from the Cuckmere River in winter. The 49 hectare site was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985, and is also a Local Nature Reserve. It contains a diverse range of habitats, which in turn support some 173 species of bird, including a winter population of 10,000 wildfowl. The site has hides for birdwatching, and also provides some of the best trout fishing in the South East of England (tel: 01323 870810). The water company also organises school nature trips, including pond dipping. The reservoir path also provides a reasonably level walking trail, which, as well as wildlife, also offers lovely views of the South Downs. A walking leaflet (http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/047A41DB-1684-4128-AADD-1C508D15F780/0/ArlingtonReservoirWalkWebversion.pdf) is available on the East Sussex County Council website or you can get a hard copy by phoning 01273 482250. Practicalities There is a car park at the main entrance on Station Road, just north of Berwick railway station (on the right hand side, going north). This has information boards, toilets and picnic tables. Swimming and boating are not permitted.

This reservoir owned by South East Water is a lovely place to visit on a warm summer's day. It has…read moretoilet facilities and a large car park both of which are useful for a day trip. The reservoir itself is huge and the area also contains a bird watching lodge and a wood. If you are going here, I recommend taking a pair of binoculars and a camera, as you can capture the beauty of East Sussex right here. It has picnic benches for in the summer. Overall, this is a wonderful place to visit if you want a day trip out or if you are touring East Sussex. I personally have recommended this place to people wanting to go to see some beautiful sights.

An idyllic destination a short drive from London, Painshill Park is a great place to spend a day…read moreenjoying the beauty of the English countryside. Created by the eccentric Charles Hamilton, the park was created as a "romantic landscape". Both organized and naturalistic, the park offers many vistas, perspectives and experiences. Created with a variety of follies dotting the landscape, the park offers panoramic views and interesting scenes. Views from the Gothic Temple and the Turkish Tent are breathtaking. While exploring the man-made grotto (which is currently undergoing renovation) you can't help but be in awe of Hamilton's vision while at the same time thinking "This guy must have been totally out there to build stalactites with lathe and plaster and then cover them in pieces of crystal!". Whether walking the grounds, bringing a blanket and a book and enjoying the solitude, Painshill Park is a wonderful place to visit. Be prepared to walk, as the park is large and very hilly. It's a good climb to the top of the Tower as well. Would definitely recommend this if you need a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.

A grade 1 listed park, much renovated over the last 25 years, by the trust that owns it…read more Created by Charles Hamilton ,in the mid 18th century, after his 2 (obligatory) Grand Tours, he wanted to create an idyllic natural setting, around a lake, with water diverted from the river Mole. He was very succesful in this, and created a number of follies, a Grotto, and the unusual Turkish Tent. Many of the plants are of American origin, and were just becoming fashionable at the time. It's worth remembering it's a park like setting rather than a garden like Wisley. Reasonable cafe near the entrance, and the ever present gift shop. Worth chcking their website for offers, currently free entry on Wednesdays in November, children free at weekends, and A special Santa event. The Grotto is only open at the weekends. A great place for a walk on a sunny day, great views across the lake and Surrey.

Very popular spot for all ages/abilities. Duck feeding and boating seems to be the the favourite…read morehere. Situated at the far end of Mill Road there is limited parking here. My grandaughter loves it. There is acccess to some fantastic walks around the Arundel estate from here, but some of the hills could be a little much for some!!. There is a lovely walk around the lake if you go left to the North side. Lovely picnic area and tea/coffe facilities. The Wetland Centre is a few yards down the road which is worth a visit.

Great place for an afternoon or morning out with the kids. Set just past Arundel castle down Mill…read moreRoad it is a beautiful lake with duck feeding and boating. Rowing boats are cheap and rentable by the half hour. There is a cafe, ice cream stand (great ice cream!!) and scenic walks up the hill.

This is a great place to eat with great views over the lake and you can watch the windsurfers and…read moreskiers. They serve a lovely carvery with a choice of three meats, usually pork, beef, turkey, gammon and occasionally lamb. There is a choice of vegetables which you help yourself to and you can have as much as you want, the roast potatoes are very tasty and well cooked. The waiting staff are very friendly and quick to serve I have never booked, I have just turned up even on a Sunday and got a table but I get there at midday and while I am there it does get busy. There is also a menu to order from if you dont fancy the carvery.

Lovely location with large lake and water sports taking place...enjoyable and varied menu and great…read morein the summer!

What a fabulous day out!! If you're into waterfowl, ponds and beautiful gardens then this is the…read moreplace to be. You need to check up on opening times because it only opens on Bank Hols, NOT Public Hols or weekends, (check out the website for August opening times). Well worth the wait in between though. Beautiful plummage and foliage set beside a Doric Temple, Gothick Boathouse, an old stone Coach house and rustic bridges, the list is endless in this country paradiseum. Without doubt you will need your camera. Free parking ands with an entry price of £6.50.(£5 for us old 'uns), I think it's excellent value.