Cockney Hill Wood

You won't find much fanfare about Cockney Hill Wood, and that's rather the point. This Sussex woodland sits a short drive from Winchelsea, offering proper quiet forest walking without the crowds that plague better-known spots. The trees are decent - nothing spectacular compared to the New Forest, mind you - but there's a genuine sense of getting away from things when you're in among them.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly for families with younger kids who need to burn off energy without a ten-mile hike on the agenda. An hour will do you fine, maybe ninety minutes if you dawdle. Walkers after a quick leg-stretcher between coastal visits will find it useful too. The undergrowth can be muddy, so boots are advisable rather than optional.

Free access, as far as anyone can tell - there's no barrier or fee collector about. Just turn up and go. Combine it with a day exploring the nearby coast around Rye Harbour or the gravel pits at Rye Harbour Holiday Park if you're staying locally. If you're based at Winchelsea Sands or Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, this makes a decent half-day diversion that breaks up the holiday rhythm without demanding much effort.

Don't expect dramatic views or signposted trails. This is woodland for what it is - pleasant, accessible, and utterly uncomplicated. Sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.