Camp Hill Clump

A thick copse of beech and oak sits just outside Haywards Heath, drawing walkers who want something real rather than manicured. Camp Hill Clump isn't dramatic - no dramatic vistas or Instagram moments - but it's the sort of place locals actually use. The woodland floor is dense with leaf litter, paths wind through without much fanfare, and you'll spot the occasional dog walker or runner making proper use of the trails.

It works best for people after a straightforward forest walk of an hour or so, rather than a destination in itself. The undergrowth is thick enough to feel proper woodland rather than a managed park, which some will find refreshing and others might find a bit gloomy depending on the weather. Spring brings bluebells if you time it right. Summer's another matter - it gets muggy under that canopy.

If you're based at Wild Boar Wood Campsite five miles away, this is worth an afternoon ramble to shake off the campsite blues. Grab a decent map though, as signage is minimal. Free access, no facilities to speak of, and it costs nothing but your time. The nearest reasonable facilities are back in Haywards Heath itself, so plan accordingly. It's not going to blow your mind, but that's rather the point - sometimes a good walk through proper woodland is exactly what you need, and this delivers that without any fuss.