Bushy Copse

The woodland around Bushy Copse, just outside Dorking, is proper walking territory. Ancient beech and oak dominate the canopy, creating that cool dimness you get in old Sussex forests where the light filters through in shafts. It's the sort of place where you'll spot bluebells in spring if you time it right, and the forest floor stays damp enough year-round that fungi pop up like miniature architecture.

This works best for walkers and anyone after a genuine woodland experience rather than a destination with facilities. You're looking at a couple of hours minimum to do it justice, though you can pop in for 45 minutes if you're short on time. There's no visitor centre or café, which honestly is part of its appeal - you get the forest without the commercialisation. Access appears free, though you'll want to check locally before you head out.

If you're camping at Riverside Farm or Sands Farm Weekend Camping nearby, Bushy Copse makes an excellent morning walk before heading back to base. The terrain's manageable rather than challenging, so it suits families with older kids who won't complain about uneven ground. Early autumn works brilliantly here - the woods are quieter than summer, and that's when you notice the proper structure of the forest rather than just seeing green.

Worth the detour from Dorking? Only if you actually enjoy walking through woodland without destination fanfare. If you need a tea room and a gift shop, you'll be disappointed.