Brickhouse Shaw

A proper woodland walk just outside Battle, Brickhouse Shaw is one of those Sussex forests that doesn't shout about itself - which is exactly why it's worth a visit. The trees are dense enough to feel properly isolated even when you're minutes from the town, and the paths wind through mixed woodland with enough variation to keep you interested for a solid hour or two.

It's the sort of place walkers will actually enjoy rather than just trudge through. The paths are manageable, the canopy does its job on wet days, and there's something satisfying about a forest that hasn't been over-managed into a theme park experience. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough before boredom sets in, but if you've got teenagers or proper walkers in your group, you can easily make a morning of it here.

Being so close to Battle means this works brilliantly as a half-day activity alongside visiting the abbey or exploring the town itself. It's free to access - just park up and head in. The woodland does what it does best: gives you space to think, fresh air that actually feels different from the car park, and a break from screens. No visitor facilities to speak of, so come prepared with water and decent shoes. The ground can be boggy after rain, which is when it's actually at its most atmospheric. Winter walking here has real character - bare trees, better sightlines, fewer people.