Northland Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a formal attraction, Northland Copse sits just outside Horsham and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Sussex forest - ancient oaks, plenty of shade, and the kind of quiet that makes you remember why you left the town in the first place. The paths wind through mixed woodland with enough variation to keep legs interested without being gruelling. Depending which route you take, you're looking at anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours. There's a decent canopy overhead, so it's brilliant on hot days, though winter mud can get properly sticky after rain.

Walkers and families with primary-school age kids will get the most from it. It's not dramatic enough for thrill-seekers, but it's solid, dependable woodland with the occasional clearing that breaks things up. Bring wellies if you've had wet weather. It's free to access - park sensibly nearby and you're in. The trees are old enough to feel like you're actually walking through something with a bit of history, even if there's no interpretation boards spelling it out for you.

If you're basing yourselves at Raylands Country Park five miles away, this is an easy bolt-on for a morning or afternoon. Close enough for a quick outing but far enough that you're getting away from the caravan parks and into proper countryside. On a decent day it's worth the detour; on a grey Tuesday in November it might feel a bit samey. Real woodland rather than tourist trap.