Gillham Wood

The woodland floor at Gillham Wood is thick with leaf litter and moss - proper spring underfoot if you've had recent rain. This Sussex Wildlife Trust reserve sits just inland from Bexhill-on-Sea and runs to about 44 acres of mixed woodland that feels genuinely quiet, even on weekends. You're walking through ancient woodland here, the sort of place where you actually notice the light filtering through the canopy rather than just trudging past trees.

There are a few established paths threading through, though nothing that demands walking boots - trainers are fine on most days. The real appeal is simply being in proper woodland without crowds. Families with younger kids will manage the main trails easily, though pushchairs get tricky on the muddier sections. Keen walkers might find it a bit limited if you're after a proper trek, but for a couple of hours pottering about and spotting whatever wildlife's about, it works well.

It's run by Sussex Wildlife Trust and free to visit, which is a genuine bonus. Late spring is lovely for bluebells; autumn brings the usual woodland colour. Allow two hours maximum unless you're sitting quietly with binoculars hoping for something interesting to appear.

If you're based at Normans Bay Camping Club Site or Beech Estate, this is an easy morning trip before heading elsewhere. Pevensey Bay is a bit further out, but still manageable. Pair it with the coastal walks around Bexhill itself - the woodland break works as a nice change of pace from beach time.