North Heath Copse

Walk through North Heath Copse and you're in proper Sussex woodland - dense, quiet, the kind of place where you actually notice birdsong. It's a small forest just outside Horsham, nothing dramatic, but if you're camping locally it's a straightforward option for stretching your legs without faffing about in the car for hours.

The paths wind through mixed woodland with decent tree coverage. On a sunny day the light filters through nicely; on a wet one, it gets boggy fast. You won't find manicured trails or information boards - this is working woodland, not a country estate attraction. Most people can walk it in under an hour without rushing, though there's no set circuit so you're free to potter about as long as you fancy.

Walkers will get the most from it, particularly those staying at Sands Farm Weekend Camping or Raylands Country Park nearby. Children will enjoy it if they're happy spotting wildlife and climbing fallen logs, but it won't hold their attention for a full afternoon. History enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Access is free and there's no formal opening times - it's the sort of place you simply walk into. Go early morning if you want solitude. The wood sits just far enough from Horsham town centre to feel genuinely rural, yet close enough that you're not committing to a major expedition. Worth a visit if you're based at one of the local campsites and need a woodland walk without pretension.