Hatchland Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a formal attraction, Hatchland Copse sits just outside Dorking and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Sussex forest - tall trees, decent paths, and genuine quiet. The canopy is thick enough to shut out the world, which matters more than you'd think when you're camping at Sands Farm only a few miles away.

It's ideal for families who don't need everything signposted and interpreted. Kids will either love getting properly lost among the trees or get bored after twenty minutes - depends on the child, really. Walking types should allow a solid hour to explore without rushing. The paths are well-trodden if muddy, especially after rain, so proper boots aren't essential but helpful.

There's no charge, no visitor centre, no tea room. You just show up and walk. Autumn's the best time - the light filters through differently and the leaf litter makes everything feel fresher. Spring's decent too if you don't mind the occasional bog patch.

For a camping holiday based at Sands Farm, it's worth the short drive to break up a day of park life. Not a destination in itself, but the kind of free woodland break that stops a week of camp-based routine from feeling samey. Take a packed lunch, bring a basic map or GPS if you're nervous about navigation, and expect to spend maybe ninety minutes here without feeling like you've really done much at all. Sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.