High Beeches Gardens

The woodland gardens here sprawl across 25 acres of proper Sussex countryside just outside Haywards Heath, and they're genuinely absorbing if you're into rhododendrons, azaleas, and the sort of place where you can hear yourself think. You wander through established forest with specimen plants dotted about - some of them planted decades ago - and there's a genuine sense of discovery as paths fork away from the main routes. Spring is the obvious choice, when everything's blooming and the colour is almost ridiculous, but even in summer the canopy keeps things cool and the undergrowth stays interesting.

It's a walker's spot more than anything. Not demanding - the terrain's manageable and you can do it in an hour or a leisurely two hours if you're the lingering type. History enthusiasts might appreciate that this has been a labour of love for generations of gardeners rather than some quick commercial venture. Families with young kids might find it a bit limited - there's no playground or café that I could see, and you're basically moving from one planted area to another, so attention spans under eight might flag.

Stay at either Sunset Tree Camping or Worth Forest Glamping, both minutes away, and you've got an easy morning visit before heading elsewhere. The admission details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead. It's the kind of place that rewards turning up at the quieter end of the week rather than weekends.