Horncroft Common Plantation

Walk into Horncroft Common Plantation and you're immediately among proper woodland - tall pines, dappled light, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a forest rather than a managed beauty spot, which means it feels genuine. There are paths threading through, nothing too dramatic, but enough to let you lose an hour or two if you're after a quiet ramble away from the South Downs crowds.

This is walker territory, primarily. Families with young kids might manage a stretch, but there's no playground nonsense or visitor centre here - it's just trees and paths. History buffs won't find much to get excited about, but anyone who enjoys the simple act of walking in woods will appreciate the understated nature of the place. The forest isn't trying to impress you, and that's rather the point.

From Pulborough, it's a straightforward trip. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a proper explore, though you can easily do 30 minutes and still feel you've had a walk. The nearest camping options - Wakestone & Wild Glamping sits just 3.1 miles away - make it a feasible add-on to a South Downs holiday. It won't be the highlight of your trip, but as a break from busier attractions, it works well. Graffham Camping is another 4.1 miles out if you're based there. Go on a weekday morning if you want it genuinely quiet.