Hams Copse

You'll find yourself walking beneath a thick canopy of oak and beech, the kind of forest that feels properly ancient even if you've never been there before. Hams Copse is a modest woodland tucked away near Emsworth in Sussex - the sort of place locals know well but visitors often miss entirely. The paths wind through quiet glades, crossing streams in places where you half expect to spot deer. There's no visitor centre, no facilities, no fuss. Just trees, air, and the sound of whatever wildlife decides to show itself on the day you visit.

It's ideal for walkers wanting something low-key rather than a full-scale woodland adventure. An hour's ramble will give you a proper sense of it; two hours if you're the type to stop and listen. Families with younger children might find it a bit limited unless they're keen on spotting birds or building camps from fallen branches. The forest is free to access and works well as a half-day addition to a wider Sussex itinerary - Bow Hill Farm is only a couple of miles away if you're based at the caravan site, making this a useful detour from your holiday base.

Best visited in autumn when the light filters through copper-coloured leaves, though spring brings bluebells if you time it right. Winter's a touch bleak and muddy. Summer can feel muggy under the dense canopy. Go early on weekends if you want the place to yourself.