Hunston Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Hunston Copse sits just outside Chichester and delivers exactly what it promises - dense tree cover, quiet paths, and the kind of damp undergrowth smell that means you're genuinely in the forest. The trees here are old enough to feel established without being dramatically ancient, and on a grey afternoon (which is when I visited) the place has real atmosphere.

You won't find play equipment or facilities, so don't arrive expecting a visitor centre. What you get instead are paths that wind through the woodland properly enough for a solid hour's walk, though families with very young kids might find it a bit samey after forty minutes. The ground can be boggy near the edges - proper Sussex woodland conditions - so waterproof boots are worth the bother.

Historically minded types won't find much interpretation, but walkers will appreciate that it's genuinely peaceful and close enough to Chichester that you could slot it into a morning before heading into town for lunch. If you're staying at West Sands Holidays nearby, it's the kind of local spot worth knowing about for when the weather's decent but you don't fancy driving far.

Free access, no car park marked on maps, so expect to leave your vehicle on the verge. Best visited November through April when it's quieter and the trees are clearer. Not a showstopper, but solid woodland on the doorstep of a busy market town.