Brown's Copse

A proper woodland walk through ancient Sussex forest, Brown's Copse sits just outside Dorking and feels genuinely untouched once you're ten minutes into the trees. The paths meander through mixed woodland - beech, oak, the lot - and there's enough canopy cover that even on grey days it feels atmospheric rather than damp.

It's the kind of place where you notice things. Bluebells in spring make the floor look painted. The forest floor itself is thick with leaf matter and moss, so underfoot it's soft going. Dogs love it, walkers love it, and you'll spot the occasional jogger powering through.

This isn't a destination that'll keep you entertained for six hours. Realistically, allow ninety minutes to two hours for a proper ramble. It's best visited in spring when the undergrowth hasn't completely closed in, or autumn when there's colour and clearer sight lines between the trees. Summer can feel a bit shut in.

If you're staying at Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite five miles away, Brown's Copse makes a cracking morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's not a major draw on its own - you wouldn't plan a trip around it - but as part of a wider Sussex walking holiday, it's exactly what you want: proper woodland, no crowds, no entrance fees, no nonsense. Pack a flask and go.