Eastland Shaw

Walk into Eastland Shaw and you're immediately swallowed by proper woodland - the kind where sunlight filters through in patches and the path disappears under fallen leaves. It's a straightforward forest site near Haywards Heath, nothing fancy, just Sussex trees doing what they do best. You'll find yourself on a network of trails that wind through mixed woodland, with enough variation to keep the legs interested without requiring a full day's commitment.

This works well for families who want an hour or two of fresh air without overthinking it, and walkers will appreciate the quiet. The forest floor is soft underfoot, which is pleasant until it rains - then it becomes a bit of a bog. Spring and autumn are probably the best times; winter feels murky and summer can be thick with midges if you're unlucky.

It sits handily between Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and Worth Forest Glamping, both within easy reach for a morning or afternoon wander. Hook Farm Campsite is also nearby if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days. The trails are free to access, and you can spend as little as 45 minutes here or stretch it to two hours if you're dawdling. It's the sort of place to slot into a park holiday when you fancy a break from the caravan without driving miles. Don't expect drama or views - just a reliable bit of woodland that does exactly what you'd hope.