Oxleys Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Oxleys Copse sits just outside Emsworth in Sussex and delivers exactly what you'd hope from a small forest - decent trees, quiet paths, and that particular smell of damp earth that makes you remember why you wanted a countryside break. The copse is small enough that you won't spend hours tramping about, which means it works brilliantly as a half-hour detour when you're staying nearby at Bow Hill Farm rather than as your main event of the day.

Walkers will enjoy it, particularly if you're the type who appreciates a bit of shelter from wind and the chance to spot woodland birds without too much faffing about. Families with younger kids should manage it fine - there's nothing treacherous, just woodland floor and the odd root. You won't find marked trails or information boards, so go in with low expectations and you'll likely be pleased.

The real value here is proximity. If you're based at the caravan site just five miles away, it's a natural spot to stretch your legs before or after whatever else you're doing in the area. There's no admission fee that we can find, and no facilities to speak of, so arrive prepared - proper shoes, a decent map on your phone, and the understanding that you're here for a quiet walk, not an Instagram moment. On a grey Sussex afternoon, that's rather lovely.