Oaks Park

You get proper woodland here - mixed trees, open grassland, and the sort of quiet that makes you remember why you came to Surrey in the first place. Oaks Park near Redhill is a working nature reserve, not a manicured park with benches and bins every ten paces. It's the real thing.

Walkers will find decent paths threading through the reserve. The terrain's gentle enough for families with younger kids, though expect mud after rain - proper muddy, the kind that ruins trainers. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; the mix of habitats pulls in a decent variety depending on season. If you're the type who enjoys spotting native trees and identifying plants, you'll lose track of time here.

The reserve works best as a half-day slot rather than an all-day mission. Two hours gets you round comfortably without rushing. Bring good shoes, some water, and realistic expectations about facilities - this isn't a visitor centre with a cafe.

If you're based at Alderstead Heath Caravan and Motorhome Club just down the road, Oaks Park makes a logical morning or afternoon break. It's close enough for a quick outing when the campsite feels a bit samey. The walking crowd will appreciate it most; families wanting activities and amenities should probably look elsewhere first. Free access, far as I can tell, though check ahead on opening times if you've got a tight schedule.