Brigdens Shaws

The woods around Brigdens Shaws are proper woodland - dark soil underfoot, tall trees blocking out most of the sky, the kind of place where you actually hear birdsong instead of traffic. It's a forest walk rather than a destination with facilities, which means you get genuine forest, not a theme park version of one.

Newhaven sits just down the road, so this works well if you're after a break from the seafront without going far. The walk takes you through mixed woodland - oak, ash, beech depending on the season - and it's good for stretching legs after a few days on holiday parks. Kids will manage it fine if they're the type who don't need constant entertainment; teenagers will likely find it a bit dull unless they're into nature spotting.

There's no visitor centre, no café, no charge. You just turn up and walk. It's the sort of place that's lovely on a dry autumn morning when the light filters through properly, but honestly? On a wet Tuesday in March, you might feel you've seen enough forest after forty minutes. Allow two hours if you're taking it slowly and actually looking at things.

If you're staying at Three Ponds Holiday Park, you're close enough for an afternoon wander without it dominating your day. Pair it with a proper walk along the Newhaven cliffs or head further inland if you want something with more views. It's a solid filler rather than a main event.