Screen Wood

You'll find Screen Wood just outside Battle, a proper woodland walk through some decent Sussex forest that makes a fine afternoon break from holiday park life. The paths wind through mature trees and clearings - nothing dramatic, but there's a real sense of walking through something managed and cared for rather than tramped over by thousands. The main appeal is straightforward: trees, air, the occasional bit of wildlife if you're lucky, and enough undergrowth to feel like you've actually left civilisation.

It works best for walkers who don't need peaks or panoramas to justify their time. Families with younger kids will get an hour's entertainment before the novelty of "more trees" wears thin, though older children keen on nature spotting might spend longer. The woodland floor is uneven in places, so proper footwear beats trainers.

If you're camping at Crowhurst Park or Beaulieu Farm - both less than two miles away - Screen Wood is an easy morning walk that beats sitting around the caravan site. It's free and there are no opening hours to worry about, making it genuinely flexible if the weather's cooperating. Don't expect facilities or signage beyond basic markers. The real draw is proximity to Battle itself, where you can add the actual battlefield and town afterwards if you've got the energy.

Go when it's not been raining heavily - the paths can get boggy. Summer's pleasant, but autumn when the light filters through differently is when you'll actually want to linger.