The Tole

The Tole is one of those proper Sussex woodlands that barely registers on most people's radar - which is exactly why it's worth a visit. Tucked near Hassocks, this forest sits on the rolling South Downs and feels genuinely quiet even in summer. The main draw is a network of walking trails threading through beech and oak, with enough elevation change to get your calves working without becoming a slog.

You're looking at anything from a gentle twenty-minute amble to a couple of hours if you combine it with the wider South Downs footpaths nearby. The woodland floor can get boggy in winter, so come prepared in muddy months. Spring brings bluebells in decent numbers, though not in the show-stopping volume you'd get at somewhere more famous - that's partly the appeal.

This works well for families who want their kids to actually walk rather than whine, and for serious walkers who fancy a quieter alternative to the better-known spots along the South Downs Way. Older children will enjoy the trails; toddlers might flag without distraction. The nearest town, Hassocks, is close enough for tea afterwards, though facilities at the woodland itself are minimal.

If you're based at Blacklands Farm Caravan & Camping, The Tole makes an excellent half-day outing without needing to drive far. It's the sort of place where you can go for a walk and actually hear yourself think - increasingly rare around here.