Victoria Park

Victoria Park sits right on Haywards Heath's doorstep - a proper local nature reserve that punches above its weight if you know what to expect. You're looking at mixed woodland and open grassland where you can actually spot things: nuthatches, woodpeckers, the occasional deer if you're lucky and quiet about it.

The walking here is straightforward rather than dramatic. There are paths threading through the trees and around the open areas, nothing that'll tax your legs but enough to feel like you've had a proper walk rather than a stroll. It's the kind of place where families can let kids off the lead without worrying they'll disappear, and the woods are decent for spotting wildlife year-round. Spring's excellent if you want bluebells and birdsong; autumn gives you colour without the midges.

Based near one of the many local campsites - Wild Boar Wood's closest at just over three miles, or The Secret Campsite a touch further - it works as a morning activity before heading elsewhere in Sussex. You won't need more than 90 minutes here, so it's ideal for breaking up a day rather than anchoring it. Free admission and no faffing about with opening hours makes it flexible too.

Worth visiting if you're camping locally and want somewhere low-key to stretch your legs. Don't expect dramatic views or rare birds, but for a quiet spell in proper woodland five minutes from civilisation, it does the job.