The sharp tang of salt air drifts in from Selsey Bill, where the English Channel meets shingle beaches and the calls of terns carry on the wind.
This is a year-round spot on the Manhood Peninsula for campers who like a bit of shelter — there are camping pods alongside guest house rooms, so you can choose your level of creature comfort depending on the forecast. Selsey draws birdwatchers heading for the Pagham Harbour reserve, windsurfers launching from the beaches, and walkers following the coastal paths where Sussex farmland drops away to the sea. The dog policy is flexible if you ask ahead, and it's the kind of place where couples and small groups come back season after season.
Campfires are worth checking on when you arrive — policies can shift with the weather and the season. The setup is straightforward and welcoming rather than sprawling, so expect a sociable atmosphere without the noise of a big holiday park. Good for an off-season escape or a summer base within reach of Chichester and the South Downs.