Rafters Wood

The woods around Battle are proper Sussex - ancient trees, damp earth, the occasional deer picking its way through the undergrowth. Rafters Wood sits close enough to town that you're never far from a cup of tea, yet far enough in to feel like you've properly escaped. It's a straightforward forest walk, the kind where you come for the air and the quiet rather than dramatic views or ruined castles.

The trees are the main event here. Broadleaf woodland mostly, with enough paths that you won't get turned around in five minutes. Walkers will find it decent for a couple of hours, families with young kids can manage an hour without complaints, and if you're just after somewhere to stretch your legs between the holiday parks scattered around the area, this works well. Seven Acre Woods is practically on your doorstep if you're staying locally, making it an easy morning outing before heading to Crowhurst Park or Coghurst Hall for lunch.

There's nothing fancy about it - no visitor centre, no admission charge that I'm aware of, just woodland as it's been for centuries. Bring wellies if it's been wet. The light filters through differently depending on the season, which sounds obvious but actually matters when you're standing in it. Easter holidays can get busier, but even then it's nothing like the South Downs hotspots. Worth knowing: the Battle area sits right on the edge of proper walking country, so if you're camping or lodging nearby, this is your warm-up before tackling longer routes elsewhere.