Fullers Shaw

You won't find signs or visitor centres at Fullers Shaw - it's just a proper Sussex woodland where you can actually walk without bumping into crowds. The forest sits a few miles south of Crawley and offers the kind of dense, quiet space that feels worlds away from the town, even though it's practically on the doorstep.

It's woodland walking territory, pure and simple. Paths wind through beech and oak, the ground soft with leaf litter, and if you're lucky you'll spot woodpeckers or hear them hammering away overhead. The trees are old enough to make you think - no manicured edges, just the genuine article. Allow a couple of hours to properly explore without rushing, though you can do a quick 45-minute loop if time's tight.

This works best for walkers rather than small children - there's nothing to "do" in the attractions sense, and toddlers will get restless fast. If your crew are the type to kick through leaves and spot wildlife, though, they'll love it. History buffs might find the mature woodland interesting from an ancient forest perspective, though there's no interpretation on site.

Being free and unrestricted, it's ideal padding for a caravan holiday at one of the nearby sites - Sunset Tree Camping and Worth Forest Glamping are both within 5 miles. Pop here between campsite activities without any entrance fees or opening hour stress. Visit in autumn when the colour's proper dramatic, or spring when the woodland floor erupts with bluebells.