Kemp's Wood

Kemp's Wood sits just outside Heathfield and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Sussex forest walk - proper trees, decent paths, and enough space to actually lose the crowds. It's a straightforward woodland experience rather than anything fancy. The canopy's thick enough to feel like you've genuinely escaped, and the paths are well-trodden without being overcrowded.

This is ideal territory for family walks if your kids can manage uneven ground. A couple of hours gets you round without feeling rushed, and there's something satisfying about moving between the dense bits and the open spaces. Serious hikers might find it a touch small for a full afternoon's work, but it ticks the box if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby campsites - Horam Manor Country Park, Fontmills Farm, or Dernwood Farm are all within striking distance.

Walkers after something low-key will appreciate it more than those expecting dramatic views or ruins. There's no visitor centre or café, so come prepared. Best visited outside school holidays if you're after peace and quiet. The undergrowth can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as a morning or evening walk during a camping trip in the area, rather than a destination in itself. Free to access and no time restrictions means you can basically come and go as you please.