Ring Wood

Ring Wood sprawls across Sussex woodland just inland from Bexhill-on-Sea, and it's proper dense forest - the kind of place where you actually feel removed from the coast rather than a manicured stroll away from the seafront. The main draw is a network of walking trails threading through ancient-looking woodland, though the paths vary wildly in condition depending on recent weather and maintenance.

For families, it works well if your kids will actually walk without constant complaints. There's enough variety in the tree cover and the occasional clearing to keep younger ones interested for an hour or so, but it's not the sort of place with play equipment or visitor facilities - come prepared for proper woodland rambling. If you're a serious walker, you'll appreciate the interconnected routes that let you build longer loops without too much backtracking.

The woodland itself is decent rather than dramatic. You won't see sweeping views or rare habitats - it's everyday Sussex forest doing what it does. Spring brings bluebells if you time it right, which genuinely lifts the whole experience. Summer can get muggy and overgrown, so autumn and winter walk better.

From Normans Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site five miles south, Ring Wood makes a logical half-day detour if you're after fresh air without the tourist crowds. Admission appears free, though there's no obvious visitor infrastructure, so bring water and check conditions online before heading out. It's not the sort of place you'll rave about afterwards, but it fills time well on a coastal park holiday when the beach gets tiresome.