Burrell's Wood

Three miles of woodland trails wind through Burrell's Wood near Petworth, and it's the kind of place you actually want to slow down in rather than rush through. The forest floor is soft underfoot, carpeted with leaves and moss, and the canopy overhead is thick enough that even on drizzly days it feels rather cosy than miserable. You'll find yourself on proper forest paths - some narrower, others wider - passing through mixed broadleaf woodland that changes character depending on the season. In autumn the place is absolutely golden; spring brings bluebells and new growth that feels almost hopeful.

For families with younger kids, allow about an hour and a half to meander through comfortably without feeling hurried. Teenagers might get restless unless they're genuinely into walking, and serious hikers will find it pleasant but not particularly challenging. Bring a camera if you're at all interested in woodland photography - the light filtering through the canopy creates proper moody shots. The woodland itself doesn't require admission as far as I can tell, though it's worth checking locally if anything has changed.

It slots in well alongside a stay at Wakestone & Wild Glamping five miles away, giving you a proper forest walk without needing to drive far. The Petworth area has enough going on that you could easily make a half-day of woodland rambling before heading elsewhere. Fair warning though - it's not dramatic or spectacularly wild, just genuinely lovely and restorative in the way that English woodlands often are.