Stonepit Wood

Ancient beech trees tower overhead as you crunch through decades of fallen leaves in this proper old woodland near Horsham. The name gives it away - this was once a stone quarry, though you'd barely know it now as nature has reclaimed every inch with spectacular results.

Families will love the natural playground feel of the place. Kids can scramble over moss-covered rocks and fallen trunks while parents appreciate the well-defined paths that prevent anyone getting properly lost. The going's fairly easy underfoot, though wellies are wise after rain as the clay soil holds water like a sponge.

What sets Stonepit Wood apart from your average Surrey woodland is the layered history you can still spot if you know where to look. Old quarry faces peek through the greenery, and the varied terrain creates pockets of different habitats - from dense canopy cover to more open glades where wildflowers get their moment in spring.

Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their own, which is fair enough given the excellent sniffing opportunities and lack of main roads nearby. Allow an hour for a proper wander, though you could easily stretch it to two if the weather's decent. It's free, obviously, and makes a lovely counterpoint to the more structured attractions around Horsham. The nearby Raylands Country Park offers facilities if you're planning a longer day out, though honestly, this place is better for a quick woodland fix than an all-day adventure.