Fisherstreet Copse

Walk into Fisherstreet Copse and you're immediately wrapped in that particular kind of quiet you only get in old woodland. The trees here are proper mature - towering oaks and beeches that have been doing their thing for decades - and the paths wind through in a way that feels genuinely off the beaten track, even though Petworth's only a short drive away.

It's the sort of place where you can spend an hour or three without seeing another soul. The forest floor is soft underfoot, which makes it ideal for families with young kids who tire easily on harder terrain. History buffs might appreciate the older trees and any signs of ancient woodland management, though don't expect dramatic ruins or interpretation boards - this is simply nature getting on with it.

There's no visitor infrastructure here that we can find, which is half the charm. Bring your own map and decent footwear. Best visited in autumn when the canopy opens up a bit and the light filters through properly, or spring when everything's just waking up. Summer can be a bit thick and murky if you're after views.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites - Glamping Holiday or Little Cowdray Farm are both excellent - Fisherstreet Copse works as a solid morning walk before heading into Petworth town itself. It won't blow your mind in the way a famous beauty spot might, but it's a genuine bit of Surrey woodland that rewards a proper wander. The kind of place you'll actually remember.