Plantation Wood

The woodland around Pevensey runs deep and dark, and Plantation Wood delivers exactly what its name promises - proper forest walking without the tourist crowds. This is Sussex's answer to a quiet afternoon away from the coast, a mix of established trees and newer growth that feels genuinely wild for somewhere so close to civilisation.

You'll find yourself on decent tracks through the woodland, the sort of place where you can actually hear birdsong and the occasional rustle that might be anything from a deer to your own nerves. The paths are straightforward enough for families with decent walkers, though it's not a destination for toddlers or anyone after manicured gardens. Allow an hour or two depending on how much you want to explore - there's no single headline attraction, just the thing itself: trees, air, peace.

It works brilliantly as a midweek escape if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Normans Bay or Pevensey Bay are within easy striking distance, and this beats another trip to the seafront. Go on a weekday morning and you'll likely have the place to yourself. Winter's actually quite good here; summer can feel a bit claustrophobic with the leaves fully out, and midges can be murder in July.

Bring proper footwear - the ground gets boggy in patches - and don't expect facilities. It's free access woodland, which is partly why it remains blissfully quiet. For walkers and nature types, it's worth the detour. For everyone else, probably not.