Beech Hurst Gardens

The beech woods south of Hassocks feel properly peaceful, especially if you've timed it right and caught the light filtering through the canopy. Beech Hurst Gardens is less manicured than the name might suggest - this is a working nature reserve where the trees do most of the talking. You'll find yourself on decent walking trails that wind through genuine woodland, the kind of place where you actually spot things moving about rather than just looking at a pretty postcard view.

It's ideal for walkers who want to stretch their legs without needing a map and a packed lunch for the day. Most people spend an hour to ninety minutes here, following the main paths, though you could easily spend longer if you're into spotting birds or just standing about looking at moss. Families with younger children might find it a bit samey after a while - there's no playground nonsense, which is either a blessing or a curse depending on your lot.

The reserve sits perfectly between several local campsites if you're basing yourself in the area. Wild Boar Wood Campsite and Sunset Tree Camping are both within five miles, so it's worth combining with a broader South Downs walking trip rather than treating it as a destination in itself. The woodland has real character, particularly in autumn when the beech trees turn, and it costs nothing to wander about. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring the full contingent of Sussex walkers, and the car park gets properly rammed.