Great Park Wood

Walking into Great Park Wood near Hastings, you're struck by how proper quiet it gets, even when you're only a few minutes from civilisation. The forest floor is soft underfoot - a mix of leaf litter and moss that feels almost soundproofed. Ancient oaks and beeches dominate the canopy, creating that particular kind of dappled light you only get in old woodlands.

It's the kind of place where you actually see wildlife. Deer aren't uncommon, and on a decent morning you'll hear more birdsong than on your average nature reserve. The paths wind through without being too manicured, which is exactly what makes them worth walking. Bring a decent map though - the signage could be better.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's proper forest walking, not a stroll with a gift shop attached. Budget two to three hours if you're doing one of the main loops, longer if you're the type to stop and identify trees. Families with young kids might find it a bit lacking in the "things to do" department - there's no playground, no café, just wood and quiet paths.

The proximity to Winchelsea Sands and Rye Harbour Holiday Parks makes it a solid addition to a Sussex coast break. You get the beaches sorted, then take a morning or afternoon retreat into something genuinely wild. Free admission, open year-round, though autumn is when it properly comes alive. Spring's decent too when the bluebells are doing their thing.