Buchan Country Park

The grounds at Buchan Country Park sprawl across Sussex countryside just outside Crawley, offering a proper escape from the town without needing to drive far. It's a straightforward sort of place - walking trails wind through woodland and open grassland, with benches dotted about for anyone who needs a sit-down. The park works best for families wanting a gentle afternoon out rather than anything particularly dramatic or challenging.

Walkers will find the terrain manageable, though there's nothing here that'll test your fitness. Kids can burn off energy running about the open bits, and if the weather's decent, it's the kind of spot where you don't mind lingering for a couple of hours. The woodland trails are fine in autumn when the trees colour up, though honestly it's not going to knock your socks off compared to what you'll find deeper into Sussex.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan sites - Worth Forest Glamping and Sunset Tree Camping both rate highly - Buchan makes an easy morning visit before heading elsewhere. The park slots nicely into a broader day out rather than being a destination in itself. Opening hours and admission fees aren't always straightforward to pin down, so it's worth checking before you set out from whichever campsite you're based at. Give yourself two to three hours maximum, longer if you've got young children who need proper space to run around.