Winterpick Wood

Walk into Winterpick Wood and you're immediately swallowed by Sussex woodland proper - tall pines, dense undergrowth, the kind of quiet that makes you realise how little of it you actually experience in daily life. It's a genuine forest, not a managed nature trail with interpretive boards, which means it feels like somewhere rather than something.

The wood sits just outside Haywards Heath and works beautifully as a half-day outing, especially if you're staying at Raylands Country Park nearby. Allow two to three hours to potter about without rushing, though you could crack it in an hour if you're just after a brisk walk. Dog walkers absolutely get the most out of it - the place practically exists for springer spaniels and labrador energy - but it's equally good for anyone who wants to escape the South Coast crowds without driving far.

There's something about Sussex woodland that feels properly ancient, and Winterpick delivers on that. The paths wind through decent stands of native trees, and in spring the bluebells genuinely take your breath away. Winter's actually rather good too - less undergrowth means better views through the canopy, and the frost on the pines has its own appeal.

Bit of a mixed bag for small children though. No facilities to speak of, and after the initial thrill of trees, younger kids can get restless. But if you've got teenagers or energetic walkers in the group, or you're just needing a proper forest walk within striking distance of Sumners Ponds Fishery, it absolutely delivers.