Little Alder Wood

Ancient oak and beech trees stretch overhead in this pocket of old woodland just outside Horsham. Little Alder Wood feels properly wild - the kind of place where you'll spot woodpeckers hammering away and catch glimpses of deer if you're quiet enough. The paths aren't marked, which makes it feel like a proper adventure rather than a sanitised nature walk.

Families with older kids who fancy a bit of exploration will love it here. Younger ones might find the uneven ground and lack of clear routes a bit challenging. Dog walkers have it made - plenty of space to let the hounds off lead without worrying about traffic or crowds.

It's free to wander, naturally, being ancient woodland rather than a managed attraction. Give yourself an hour or two to properly explore, though you could easily spend a morning here if you're into wildlife spotting or just fancy some peace away from the world.

The wood sits perfectly between several holiday parks in the area. If you're staying at Washington Caravan & Camping Park or Honeybridge Park, it's an easy morning jaunt before heading off to somewhere like Knepp Wildland Safaris for the afternoon. Not groundbreaking, but a lovely spot for anyone who appreciates proper English woodland without the visitor centre fuss.