Oak Copse

Walking into Oak Copse feels like stepping back a few centuries. This proper woodland sits just outside Emsworth in Sussex, and it's the kind of place where you actually hear birdsong instead of traffic. The forest floor is thick with leaf litter, ancient oaks tower overhead, and there's a genuine sense of quiet that's become rare in the South East.

It's excellent for walkers who want something genuine rather than manicured. Families with kids old enough to enjoy a proper ramble will get the most from it - under-fives might struggle with the uneven ground and lack of facilities. There are no marked trails to speak of, which means either bring an Ordnance Survey map or just wander and enjoy the discovery. The woodland itself is mixed, with beech and other hardwoods alongside the namesake oaks, and in spring the floor carpets with bluebells.

Admission is free, and there's no set visiting hours - it's a working woodland that rewards early morning visits before anyone else arrives. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're actually exploring rather than just having a quick look. It's worth timing a visit between March and May when the woodland is at its best, though autumn colours are decent too.

If you're staying at Bow Hill Farm caravan site nearby, Oak Copse makes a proper walking day out without needing to drive far. It's the sort of place that reminds you why people move to Sussex in the first place.