Barnes Wood - Woodland

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured nature reserve, Barnes Wood sits just outside Battle and feels like the kind of place locals have known about for years without telling anyone. Ancient trees, a decent network of paths, and that lovely smell of damp earth and leaf litter - it's exactly what you want from a Sussex woodland.

The wood works best for walkers and anyone who actually enjoys being among trees rather than viewing them from a visitor centre. You could spend a good hour or two here depending on the path you take, and there's enough variety in the canopy and undergrowth to make it interesting. Spring's excellent if the bluebells are out; autumn is brilliant for the whole colour thing. Muddy boots are guaranteed, so bring a change of socks if you're staying at a nearby site like The Original Hut Company Camping and Glamping - it's less than three miles away and a sensible base for exploring this part of Sussex.

It's free, no entrance fees, no gift shop nonsense. The paths aren't marked with the sort of hand-holding detail you get in some nature reserves, so bring a decent map and pay attention. Not the place for a quick fifteen-minute stroll or anyone wanting rare bird spotting facilities - it's simply a wood that's there to be walked through. Worth the detour if you're in Battle anyway.