Jacksons Lake Plantation.

The forest here is properly dense - ancient woodland that feels like you've stepped back a century or two. Jacksons Lake Plantation sits just outside Petworth in Sussex, and it's a working landscape rather than a manicured park, which means you get real trees doing real things instead of everything trimmed within an inch of its life.

Walking through it, you notice the mix straightaway: conifers planted generations ago alongside native hardwoods reclaiming their space. There's water moving through it too, which keeps things interesting. The paths are decent enough for most abilities, though it's not spectacularly signposted, so a proper map helps. Count on two to three hours if you're in no rush.

This appeals most to woodland walkers and anyone chasing that genuine forest atmosphere rather than a country park café moment. Historians might get a kick from seeing how Victorian plantations have evolved. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might find the lack of obvious attractions a bit wearing after an hour.

It pairs well with the Petworth House estate if you're in the area for a few days. The nearby glamping spots at Wakestone & Wild and Woodfire at Westerlands are cracking options - that wild angle suits a forest walk nicely. Graffham Camping is also close if you prefer something more traditional. The whole corner of Sussex around here rewards a long weekend if you've got transport sorted.