Coombers Rough

A proper woodland ramble through Sussex, Coombers Rough delivers exactly what it says on the tin - dense forest with decent walking tracks that'll take you away from it all without needing to drive more than a few minutes from Dorking. You're looking at mature trees, the occasional clearing, and enough of a canopy to stay reasonably dry even when it's drizzling. The paths are manageable but muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are worth the bother.

This works best for walkers who just want an hour or so among the trees without the crowds you'd get at bigger attractions. Families with restless kids might find it a touch dull - there's no playground or obvious focal point, just forest. That said, if your children are the type who'd rather climb trees and turn over logs than queue for anything, they'll be fine here.

It's free to access and you can do a decent loop in about 90 minutes without pushing it. Early morning tends to be quieter, and winter's actually lovely when the undergrowth dies back and you can see further into the woodland. The nearest proper accommodation is Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just a few miles away - a basic but perfectly serviceable base if you're doing a Sussex break mixing forest walks with the wider area. Nothing fancy, but it gets you within spitting distance of decent woodland without the pretence.