Raven Wood

Dark and dense, Raven Wood feels like the sort of place where you half expect to bump into something from a fairy tale. It's a proper forest - the kind with real undergrowth, muddy paths, and enough canopy cover that even on a bright day there's something shadowy and atmospheric about it.

Walkers will find genuine trails threading through the woodland, nothing too manicured or twee. The paths are reasonably well-trodden, though after heavy rain you'll want decent boots. It's the sort of place where you can actually get lost for a bit, which some people love and others find slightly unnerving. Kids seem to either be captivated by the woodsy adventure or get restless after twenty minutes, depending on their age and constitution.

From East Grinstead it's barely a drive away, making it an easy bolt-on if you're based at Wild Boar Wood Campsite or Hook Farm nearby. Allow a couple of hours for a proper wander if you're not rushing, though you can do a quick circuit in half that. Spring brings bluebells in decent numbers, autumn is all copper and gold - winter's quieter but has its own appeal if the ground isn't sodden.

Raven Wood isn't a destination that'll blow your mind with views or dramatic vistas. What it offers is the chance to actually walk in a real forest without the crowds of somewhere more famous. Good if you want peace and the occasional rustle of wildlife. Less good if you need facilities or a cafe at the end of it.