Ashreed wood

You'll find Ashreed Wood tucked away near Hailsham in Sussex - a proper woodland walk that doesn't demand much from you but gives back decent views if you're not expecting manicured trails and viewpoints. It's the kind of place where you actually hear birds rather than other people, which in Sussex is saying something.

The woodland itself is manageable for families, though it's not a destination in the dramatic sense. Paths wind through decent tree cover, and there's enough variety to keep a walk interesting for an hour or so without feeling like a slog. Walkers after something gentle will appreciate it; kids might get restless if they're after play equipment or dramatic landscapes. Go in autumn when the light filters through nicely, or spring when the undergrowth isn't too thick.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby campsites - Golden Cross Holiday Park is closest at just over three miles away - it's exactly the sort of spot you'd head to mid-afternoon to stretch your legs before tea. Hale Farm Campsite and Dernwood Farm Glamping are both within easy reach if you want somewhere to kip for the night. It won't be the highlight of a Sussex trip, but it's solid filler between better-known attractions, and you won't fight crowds for space.