Potcommmon Furzefield

The woodland around Potcommon Furzefield, just outside Horsham, is proper Sussex - dense, quiet, and the kind of place where you'll actually hear yourself think. It's a forest walk rather than a destination with facilities, so come prepared with decent boots and a sense of direction.

The paths wind through mixed woodland with plenty of bracken and gorse underfoot, especially in summer. You won't find playground equipment or marked trails with interpretive boards. What you get instead is the real thing - ancient woodland feeling, birdsong, and the occasional glimpse of clearings where the light breaks through. It's exactly what you need if you're camping nearby at Honeybridge Park or Knepp Wildland Safaris and want an hour or two away from the site.

Walkers will appreciate it far more than families with small children who need structure and clear paths. There's no admission charge because there's no gate or visitor centre - you simply walk in from the surrounding area. Allow two to three hours depending on how deep you venture, though you can do a quick 45-minute loop if time's tight.

For a proper Sussex forest experience during a caravan holiday in the area, it's worth the detour from Horsham. Pair it with a visit to Knepp's safari trails if you want something with more of a backbone to your day. Otherwise, this is the meditative kind of walk - good for clearing your head, less good for impressing the kids with dramatic viewpoints or wildlife sightings.