Highdown Gardens

Highdown Gardens is a free-to-enter historic garden in Sussex, with a relaxed, grown-up feel rather than a theme-park one. Reviews mention seasonal colour, unusual plants, shaded and open areas, plus plenty of benches for sitting and looking at the views. For parents, the big win is value: free entry, free parking and a café next door for tea and cake. Several reviewers liked it as a short, easy walk, and there are bits children may enjoy, like the pond, fish and tadpoles in spring. It’s not a full family day out, though. The walk is fairly short, there’s no dogs allowed, and one review was blunt about the toilets not being pleasant. A map at the start would help, and if you’re expecting loads of play features, you’ll be disappointed.