Wilderness Wood

You'll find yourself wandering through proper woodland the moment you arrive at Wilderness Wood, just outside Heathfield in Sussex. This isn't a manicured theme park - it's a working woodland where you can actually do things. There are rope courses threading through the trees, a zip line if you fancy it, and plenty of trails for a decent ramble without needing to commit to a full day's hiking.

The appeal here is hands-on. Kids love it because they're climbing, swinging, and generally exhausting themselves in the trees rather than staring at screens. Adults appreciate the fact that you can pitch a moderate walk with some actual activity built in. The woodland itself is the real draw - old, proper Sussex woodland with the kind of quiet you don't get near towns.

It works brilliantly as part of a camping holiday. You're close enough to Dernwood Farm Glamping or Horam Manor Country Park - both strong options for base camps - but far enough into the trees to feel properly away from it all. A morning here, then head to another local attraction, and you've got a solid day sorted.

Bring layers. These woods catch wind even when the open ground feels sheltered. The ground can be muddy after rain, so decent shoes matter more than you'd think. Check their website for current admission prices and opening times before you go - woodland places sometimes close for maintenance or weather. Allow two to three hours if you're doing the rope courses, or ninety minutes for a straightforward walk.