Ewhurst Wood

Ewhurst Wood is one of those places that feels properly remote despite being barely half an hour from Crawley. You're walking through proper Sussex woodland here - ancient oaks, sweet chestnuts, the works. The canopy closes in overhead and suddenly you've left the commuter belt behind entirely.

It's ideal for walkers, though be prepared for muddy paths. The wood isn't signposted to death, which is refreshing but means you need to know where you're going. You'll spot the occasional bridleway marker, and if you're lucky, deer moving through the undergrowth. The floor is thick with fallen leaves depending on the season, and in spring the bluebells are genuinely worth the visit.

This isn't a destination in itself - there's no café, no visitor centre, nothing fancy. But if you're staying at Sunset Tree Camping nearby, you've got an easy walk to somewhere that actually feels like woodland rather than a manicured park. Families with older kids will manage fine; small ones might find it a bit of a slog if the paths are wet. Allow a couple of hours for a proper wander without rushing.

Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends pull in the dog walkers and you lose some of that quiet feeling. Free to access, naturally, and best after dry weather when the ground isn't a bog.