The Warren

Walk into The Warren and you're immediately struck by how quiet it gets. This Sussex forest near Haywards Heath feels properly removed from the world - ancient woodland that's been left to do its own thing, with paths threading through dense cover and clearings that appear when you least expect them.

It's a working forest, which means you'll see evidence of active management alongside genuinely wild-feeling stretches. The walking here is straightforward rather than demanding - terrain underfoot is soft with leaf litter and moss, and trails are well-trodden enough that you won't get properly lost. Allow a couple of hours for a decent ramble, or drop in for 45 minutes if you're passing through from Haywards Heath.

This works brilliantly for walkers who want to escape without needing views or summits. Kids might find an hour sufficient unless they're the type to spend ages building dens and turning sticks into spears - the forest absolutely allows for that. History buffs won't find much here beyond the woodland itself, but that's not really the point.

The nearby parks - Raylands Country Park, Dernwood Farm Glamping, and Honeybridge Park among others - make this a natural add-on during a Sussex break. Come early on weekends to avoid the rush, and don't expect manicured walking routes. The Warren rewards you for turning up and just moving through it, letting the trees do the talking.