Great Henniker Wood

The woodland around Great Henniker stretches across Sussex with the kind of quiet that makes you remember why you bothered leaving the coast at Bexhill-on-Sea in the first place. It's proper forest - dense enough that the sky disappears, ancient enough that you half expect to stumble across something from a Winnie-the-Pooh illustration.

Walking here is straightforward. Paths wind through stands of established trees, and there's enough variety in the terrain to keep things interesting without being punishing. You're looking at a good two to three hours if you want to see much of it, though shorter circuits are entirely doable. The ground can be boggy in places after rain, so proper boots matter.

It's the kind of place that rewards real walking rather than a quick wander. If you've got kids who can manage a proper forest stomp - not toddlers expecting a playground - they'll find plenty to occupy themselves spotting wildlife and clambering over fallen branches. Adults after some serious woodland peace will do well here too. Historians might find it less gripping than some Sussex forests with more obvious historical markers, but it's got character.

If you're basing yourself at Normans Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site five and a half miles away, Great Henniker Wood makes for an excellent morning escape when the weather's on your side. Free to walk, no need for advance booking. Just go. Bring decent waterproofs and a thermos.