Hurst Green Park

The wetland walks at Hurst Green Park pull you straight into Sussex's quieter side - reed beds stretching out in every direction, with the occasional flash of kingfisher if you're patient enough. It's a proper nature reserve, the kind where you actually spot things rather than just walk past manicured flower beds.

You get two main trails threading through the site. One loops around the water meadows where reedbeds dominate; the other dips into woodland with a bit more shelter. Both are flat and straightforward, making this ideal for families with younger kids or anyone who doesn't fancy scrambling up hills. Birdwatchers will spend hours here during migration seasons - bring binoculars and a notebook because great spotted woodpeckers and various warblers show up regularly.

Nearest town is Robertsbridge, just a few miles south, so you can combine this with a pub lunch without much faffing about. If you're staying at The Original Hut Company Camping and Glamping down the road, you've got an easy morning walk sorted. Allow a good two hours if you're taking your time and actually looking for birds; you could dash it in 45 minutes if you're just after the exercise.

It's free to access and genuinely peaceful - no gift shop, no cafe, no crowds. Spring and autumn are your best windows for wildlife spotting. Wet ground means wellies or proper boots though; even in dry spells the paths hold moisture.