Challen's Copse

The woodland here rolls through Sussex countryside like something from a Rupert Bear illustration - all dappled light and proper ancient trees. Challen's Copse, just outside Petworth, is the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan for, though it rewards a deliberate visit if you're after a quiet walk away from the main tourist drag.

It's a working forest, so don't expect manicured paths or information boards. What you get instead are meandering trails through mixed woodland - oak, beech, the lot - with enough variety to keep your eyes busy for an hour or so. The ground can be muddy depending on when you visit, so decent boots matter. There's a genuine sense of being somewhere properly rural here, not a theme park version of nature.

Families with older kids will get more from it than toddlers - the walking demands a bit of stamina and there's limited facilities. History enthusiasts might geek out on the woodland management signs if you spot them. But honestly, this is most rewarding for walkers who simply want a decent forest stroll without crowds or entrance fees clogging things up.

Combine it with Graffham Camping and Caravanning Club Site just two miles away, and you've got yourself a proper woodland break. Even Woodfire at Westerlands, only 2.5 miles distant, puts you within easy reach for a morning ramble before breakfast. Visit outside weekends and school holidays if you can - the peace is the whole point.