Sketchers Copse

The woodland around Sketchers Copse offers a proper slice of Surrey's quieter side, away from the commuter belt that dominates so much of the county. It's the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan a day around - a small forest patch near Cranleigh where the trees do their job of blocking out the noise, and you can actually hear yourself think.

What you get here is straightforward: woodland walking through mixed deciduous growth, paths that fork off in various directions, and the general sense of being in nature without the crowds. There's no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of, and that's rather the point. Bring decent boots if it's been wet - the ground gets properly boggy in places. The copse itself isn't vast, so an hour's ramble will cover most of what's on offer.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited on its own - there's no playground nonsense, no interpretive boards explaining which tree is which. What it does suit is walkers who appreciate old-growth woodland and anyone wanting to string together a few forest loops whilst staying in the area. The nearby glamping sites at Little Cowdray Farm and Firesyde both position themselves as rural bases, so combining a stay there with local woodland exploration makes genuine sense.

Parking is unofficial - you'll find a pullover spot nearby, but there's nothing formal. Admission is free. Go midweek if you can, early morning especially, when the whole place feels properly yours.