Broadhurst Lake

You'll find Broadhurst Lake just outside Haywards Heath, a proper little water body that punches above its weight for a Sussex afternoon. It's the sort of place where locals know to come on a sunny Saturday when everywhere else is rammed - quiet, walkable, and genuinely pleasant without feeling like you're ticking off a tourist box.

The lake itself is surrounded by decent woodland paths, good for a leisurely circuit if you've got the time. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; the water attracts enough waterfowl to keep keen-eyed visitors occupied for a couple of hours. Families with younger kids will manage fine here - it's not dramatic, but it's manageable and safe, with enough going on that they won't dissolve into boredom after twenty minutes.

If you're staying at Wild Boar Wood Campsite or Hook Farm, both within easy reach, Broadhurst makes a solid morning or evening walk break from camp life. Worth Forest Glamping is a bit further out at 5.5 miles, but still doable if you fancy stretching your legs between proper activity days.

Timing-wise, early morning or late afternoon works best - less crowded, better light if you're photographing anything. The woodland paths can get muddy after rain, so check the weather. There's no café on site, so bring a flask if you're settling in for a proper sit-down. Free to visit, no entrance fees or booking needed that we can find - just turn up and get walking.