Eartham Wood

Walking through Eartham Wood feels like stepping back several centuries. The forest sits just outside Arundel, Sussex, and despite being within spitting distance of the town, it's surprisingly quiet - the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

It's mostly beech and oak, with a proper canopy overhead that keeps things cool even on warm days. The woodland floor is soft underfoot, carpeted with leaf litter and moss. There are paths threading through, though nothing formal or manicured - this is working forest rather than a visitor attraction with waymarks and benches.

For walkers, it's genuinely decent. You could easily spend an hour or two pottering about without feeling rushed, or knock out a longer circuit if you fancy it. Families will find it fine for a casual wander, though there's not much to stop and stare at - no views, no play areas, no facilities that we could spot. Kids who like climbing trees and building dens will be happier here than those expecting something packaged.

Historically minded types might appreciate that this woodland has been here for centuries, though there's precious little interpretation on the ground. Local history rather than famous history.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Rowan Park in Bognor Regis or Littlehampton Caravan and Motorhome Club are all within 6 miles - it's a decent morning outing before hitting Arundel itself or heading to the coast. Don't expect miracles, but it's a proper bit of Sussex woodland without the crowds you'd get elsewhere.