These stunning scenes taken in and close to the South Downs National Park would persuade anyone to “staycation” this year.

Mist-covered ruins, forests with a star-studded canopy and beaches lapped by clear blue water were all captured by photographer Chris Orange close to his home.

Chris, 46, has lived within the South Downs National Park for the past six years and he says he is “lucky to be in such a beautiful location”.

The father of three spends much of his spare time exploring the park, which covers more than 600 square miles (1,600 square kilometres) and photographing its hidden scenery.

Chris’s beautiful photos range from misty sunrises at the Cowdray ruin in Midhurst to a clear night sky filled with hundreds of bright stars shining out over the park.

He has photographed the sun beaming through the trees in woodland areas, a vivid rainbow in a bright blue sky over a lake, and even a beach lined with colourful beach huts in West Wittering, which is close to the park.

And the wildlife he has photographed has included Egyptian geese about to go for a paddle in a lake, a butterfly perched on a flower and a deer padding through a field.

Chris said: “There’s so many opportunities for beautiful scenery around here, from forests, to lakes, to seaside and coastal paths with far-reaching views.

“The South Downs has everything needed for a perfectly British day out or holiday.

“I think with the lockdown and the restrictions on travel, a lot of people are going to end up staying here in England for their holidays this year.

“I want to promote the South Downs as a wonderful place to visit for a holiday or day out.”

Chris has been heading out into the park for walks every day with his two daughters, aged 12 and ten, his son, aged eight, and his Fuji XT3 camera.

He said: “I’ve been getting out as much as I can to photograph the area.

“It’s been very quiet – we’ve seen a few people going in and out of the forests with their dogs, but other than that you can walk for miles and miles without seeing anyone.

“It’s been really special.”

Chris and his children have spent hours playing on the beach and walking along winding rivers and up huge, scenic hills.

He said: “My favourite spot is probably Blackdown, it’s the highest spot in the national park, at 280 metres high and you get such lovely views from up there.

“Because the South Downs is one of the youngest national parks in the country, it doesn’t really get a lot of attention.

“But the whole area really relies on tourism, from shops to holiday lets.

“Everyone naturally thinks of travelling to Dorset, Devon or Cornwall, without realising that the South Downs has so much to offer.

“You can walk along the South Downs Way, which stretches 100 miles, from Eastbourne in West Sussex, all the way to Winchester in Hampshire.

“There’s sandy beaches, beautiful wildlife, deer parks and plenty of unspoilt countryside to get lost in and you can end up in a quaint cafe for a cream tea.

“There’s so much here for families and it’s only about an hour from London.

“So many people will choose to spend their holidays in the UK this year and I want to lift up the flag for the South Downs as a stunning location for everyone to enjoy.

“I hope the photographs I’ve taken will encourage others to come and experience the beautiful South Downs for themselves. I’ve tried to photograph things you wouldn’t see in brochures.”