The picturesque village of Rottingdean with its pretty duck pond and cosy cottages is a perfect postcard setting with its own nature reserve and some impressive manicured gardens where Rudyard Kipling once lived. As if that isn’t appealing enough, it also has its own beach, just a five minute walk from the village.

However, this tranquil haven masks an edgier history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1066 and beyond, but its most fascinating period can be learned about in the Grange Museum and Art Gallery – a period of highly organised smuggling involving almost the entire village in the late 1700s, and (it is rumoured) a maze of brick-lined tunnels that led from the cliffs, under the duck pond, right into the locals’ houses. Even the sails of Rottingdean Windmill could be positioned to signal that the coast was clear!

Meanwhile, back in modern-day Rottingdean, you’ll find plenty of appealing places to stop for a bite to eat. There are a few warm and cosy pubs, some tea rooms and a few other small shops and cafés – including a takeaway pizza outlet that has created quite a stir among pizza-loving Brightonians, and a small antiques centre ideal for anyone who loves vintage treasure browsing. The White Horse Hotel offers traditional pub grub overlooking the sea, and a few yards away, you’ll find the alfresco Molly’s café down on the beach. From here, you can find a beach eatery just a ten minute stroll away in either direction along the undercliff walk.

Rottingdean has that enviable best-of-all-worlds combination – a countryside idyll with a relaxed beach feel on the edge of a vibrant city. And it’s easily reached on the 27 bus from opposite Brighton Palace Pier (15 mins), or by bike, or even foot, taking about an hour and 20 minutes along the undercliff walk from Brighton.