Slays Wood

The woodland around Heathfield isn't what you'd call dramatic, but Slays Wood delivers exactly what you want from a Sussex forest walk - proper quiet and a chance to stretch your legs without fighting crowds. Ancient oaks and hornbeam give it real character, especially in autumn when the canopy turns copper and gold. It's genuinely lovely in that understated English way.

You're looking at a straightforward woodland experience rather than anything with viewing platforms or interpretation boards. Bring decent boots though - the floor gets boggy after rain and tree roots will catch you out if you're not watching your footing. Most walkers spend between one and two hours here depending on route, and there's enough variation in the paths to avoid feeling hemmed in.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after half an hour, but anyone who likes proper forest walks will get it. The dappled light filtering through in summer is genuinely restorative, and on weekday mornings you'll practically have it to yourself. Winter's decent too if you don't mind the mud.

If you're basing yourself at The Secret Campsite nearby - which is excellent, by the way - this makes for a proper morning outing before heading elsewhere in the High Weald. Free to access and no charge for parking. It's the sort of place you don't rave about afterwards, but while you're walking through it, you remember why you wanted a countryside break in the first place.