Lyons Clumps

Walk into Lyons Clumps and you're immediately wrapped in proper Sussex woodland - a mix of mature trees and younger growth that feels lived-in rather than manicured. It's the kind of forest where you can actually breathe, with decent walking paths that don't require a hiking permit or special equipment. The clumps themselves are small copses dotted across the landscape, giving the whole area a patchwork quality that works well if you're after a gentle woodland stroll rather than a dramatic hike.

This is brilliant for families with primary-school-age kids - they'll get a kick out of spotting wildlife and scrambling over fallen logs without feeling like it's a serious expedition. Walkers doing a longer loop through the Horsham area will appreciate how it breaks up the journey nicely. The forest isn't huge, so you're looking at an hour or two maximum, which makes it ideal if you're based at one of the local caravan sites like Sands Farm or Slinfold and want to stretch your legs without committing your whole afternoon.

Best visited in autumn when the woodland floor is interesting underfoot and you can actually see through the trees. Summer can feel a bit thick and claustrophobic if you hit a warm day. Spring's solid too if the bluebells are doing their thing. It's free to access and there's no faffing about with car parks or tickets - just find a reasonable place to stop and head in. Don't expect dramatic viewpoints or heritage buildings. What you get is genuine woodland, quietly doing its job on the outskirts of Horsham.