Harewoods

The woodland paths at Harewoods wind through proper Surrey countryside, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a National Trust reserve near Lingfield, and what you get is straightforward - open dawn to dusk, free to wander, no faffing about with tickets. The reserve itself covers ancient woodland with a decent network of trails that'll take anywhere from thirty minutes to a couple of hours depending on how thorough you fancy being.

This is walker territory, no question about it. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough to get the feel of it, but if you're the type who actually notices bird life and wants to properly explore the glades, you'll want longer. Spring brings bluebells that genuinely stop you in your tracks. Summer's thick with shade, which is brilliant on hot days. Autumn's probably the sweet spot - light's better, paths aren't muddy, and there's something about deciduous woodland when the leaves turn.

If you're based at Long Acres Caravan Park or the glamping setup there - both within a few miles - Harewoods makes an easy morning or late-afternoon break from the campsite. It's not a destination in itself if you're only interested in manicured attractions, but it's exactly what you want if you've rented a caravan and need a proper walk without driving for hours. The paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, though there's nothing fancy about it. That's rather the point.