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Box Hill, Surrey

Box Hill, Surrey
FAMILY
This green and luscious landscape of rolling hills, wooded walks and the delightful River Mole is less than 50 minutes from London by train (and just off the main road to Dorking), yet once you’ve entered it you feel like you’ve landed deep in the countryside. This is all thanks to Victorian conservationist Sir Robert Hunter, who lived in Surrey and was one of the founders of the National Trust; in the 1890s he helped prevent Box Hill being sold for building on. The 1,200 acres that make up the Box Hill estate have been providing jaded city folk welcome respite ever since, and the place is a popular spot for nature lovers, walkers and families. Such are its romantic charms that it featured in Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’. From the summit you get spectacular views of the South Downs and throughout the summer months you’ll be able to spot various species of orchid. An information centre with details about walks, as well as a newly refurbished National Trust shop, kiosk and a fort dating back to the 1890s can be found on the summit. Well worth a day exploring.
Further information National Trust (Head Warden) 01306 885 502/www.nationaltrust.org.uk. For walks and other information about Box Hill: www.boxhill.org.uk.
Getting there
By rail: Boxhill and Westhumble is served by Southern (08451 272 920/www.southernrailway.com) from London Victoria.
By road: A3 to Hook Junction roundabout, then A43 to Givens Grove aroundabout, then B2209. Feature continues

Windsurfing in West Sussex

Windsurfing and kitesurfing, West Sussex
ACTION & ADVENTURE
If you’re after the perfect antidote to sitting around in this summer’s sweltering heat (such as it is) staring hazily at your computer screen, look no further. Just over an hour away from London lies the stunning beach of West Wittering, which has been firmly established as one of the UK’s premier windsurfing locations. With excellent conditions at nearly all stages of the tide, it suits beginners and experts alike. Down at the beach you’ll find X-Train, the tuition arm of the West Wittering Windsurf Club, which offers a wide range of courses and individual lessons (from £35) for all ages.
Further information X-Train, West Wittering Windsurf Club, West Wittering, West Sussex (01243 513 077/www.x-train.co.uk).
Getting there
By rail: Southern rail serves Chichester from Victoria (08451 272 920/www.southernrailway.com), or travel to Havant from Waterloo (0845 6000 650/www.southwesttrains.co.uk), then take bus or taxi to West Wittering.
By road: Leave London via A3 and A3(M), then take A27, then A286 to West Wittering.

Fishers Farm Park, West Sussex

Fishers Farm Park, West Sussex
FAMILY
What animal gives us bacon? Where does beef come from? It seems unlikely, but some urban kids just don’t know. So, do them a favour: introduce them to a little agriculture with a visit to Fishers Farm. Of course, they don’t have to slaughter any moo-cows or eat the cute piggies, but they’re bound to love meeting the beasts, seeing the barns where they live and giving them a good feed. On top of that, there’s donkey and combine harvester rides, a farm museum and farrier displays to enjoy. And, to ensure that everyone’s tired out for the journey home, there’s an adventure playground, climbing wall, zip slides, giant trampolines, oversized paddling pool and sandpit with diggers, which should use up every last ounce of energy. Don’t forget to stop for some homemade cakes at the farm café.
Further information Fishers Farm Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex (01403 700 063/www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk). Open daily 10am-5pm. Adults £11.75, children (two-12) £10.75, under-twos free.
Getting there
By rail: Billingshurst is served by Southern (08451 272 920/www.southernrailway.com) from Victoria. From here a taxi costs about £8.
By road: Take A3 out of London, after Guildford pick up A281 to Alford, then B2133 to Fishers Farm.

Christ Church Gateway, Canterbury, Kent

Canterbury, Kent
FAMILY
Easy to get to, easy to navigate and with plenty to keep everyone occupied, Canterbury is classic day-trip material. The cathedral, a splendid structure with a vaulted nave constructed in the 1400s, is the city’s centrepiece. Within, you’ll find the Altar of the Sword’s Point, where Thomas Becket was killed in 1170 by four bloodthirsty knights. At St Margaret’s Church, the Canterbury Tales attraction offers a lively introduction to the work of Chaucer, and features waxwork models, storytelling and rank medieval odours.
Further information Canterbury Cathedral, Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury (01227 762 862/www.canterbury-cathedral.org). Open Mon-Sat 9am-6.30pm, Sun 9am-2.30pm, 4.40pm-5.30pm. Adm free; The Canterbury Tales, St Margaret’s St, Canterbury, Kent (01227 454 888/www.canterburytales.org.uk). Open daily 9.30am-5pm. Adults £7.75, children (five-15) £5.75. Canterbury tourist information (01227 378 100/www.canterbury.co.uk).
Getting there
By rail: Southeastern (0845 000 2222/www.southeasternrailway.co.uk) serves Canterbury West from Charing Cross and Canterbury East from Victoria.
By road: Take A2 out of London then M2, then A2 to Canterbury.

A pint of prawns in Herne Bay, Kent

Herne Bay, Kent
SEASIDE
To the east of the ever-popular resort of Whistable are the wide sands and clean waters of Herne Bay, which flies both a European Blue Flag and the yellow and blue Seaside Award for being clean, safe and well managed. The marine environment here is thriving: seal- and bird-watching trips leave from the Neptune’s Arms Slipway – book in advance with Wildlife Sailing – while fresh seafood is a mainstay of local menus.
More information Herne Bay tourist information (01227 361 911/www.visithernebay.co.uk); Wildlife Sailing (01227 366 712/www.wildlifesailing.com). From £14 per person.
Getting there
By rail: Herne Bay is served by Southeastern (0845 000 2222/www.southeasternrailway.co.uk) from Victoria.
By road: Leave London via the A2, then take M2, A299, then A291 to Herne Bay.

Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, Kent
HERITAGE
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this beautiful thirteenth-century castle is brimming with historical treasures including Tudor portraits, artefacts and furniture, as well as a gruesome weaponry display and Boleyn’s illuminated Book of Hours. During the summer months the castle’s stunning grounds come into their own, so take the time to wander around the idyllic rose garden, elaborate yew maze, and down to the 35-acre lake at the far end of the Italian Garden. Take a picnic to enjoy in the grounds or lunch at one of the castle’s two restaurants, after which the new water maze and jousting competitions are guaranteed to be sure-fire winners with younger visitors. Check the website for dates of these and other special events.
Further information Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, Kent (01732 865 224/www.hevercastle.co.uk). Open gardens daily 10.45am-6pm (last adm 5pm); castle daily 12noon-6pm (last adm 5pm). Castle and gardens: adults £11.50, children (five-15) £6.30.
Getting there
By rail: Edenbridge Town (short taxi ride from castle) is served by Southern Rail (0845 127 2920/www.southernrailway.com) from Victoria.| By road: Exit M25 at J5 or J6 and follow brown tourist signs.

Climping Beach, West Sussex

Climping beach, near Littlehampton, West Sussex
FAMILY
A short drive away from Arundel and its magnificent castle, the River Arun and the splendid surrounding South Downs countryside, Climping beach is best visited when the tide is out and its stony beach gives way to a swathe of soft, dark sand. As with most groyned beaches along this part of the coast, Climping is quite bleak in appearance – rather like stepping back in time to the WWII era. However, it’s very clean and very, very long. The sand dunes are a protected site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s a short walk from the beach to the delightful former smugglers’ pub The Black Horse Inn, which has an excellent menu of prime Scotch steaks, extensive range of fish dishes, homemade desserts and fine wines.
Further information Black Horse Inn, Climping St, Climping, W Sussex (01903 715 175). Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Sun 12noon-3pm, 7pm-10.30pm.
Getting there
By rail: Littlehampton is served by Southern from London Victoria via Gatwick Airport (0845 127 2920/www.southernrailway.com).
By road: Exit M23 towards Crawley on the A264, then A24, A280, A27 to the A284 near Littlehampton, then the A259. Follow sign to Climping beach.

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