Top Forest Walks in Sussex!
Don your wellies and explore one of the many magnificent forests or ancient woodlands in Sussex. In no particular order, these are our favourites...
ST LEONARD'S FOREST
Horsham, West Sussex
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Legend has it that a fearsome dragon was slain here in the 6th century! The forest spans 722 acres. Its mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland and wide paths make for a delightful place for a family walk or cycle.
What it's Great For:​
* Play amongst the trees
* Find out about the legend of the forest
* Free, easy parking
Click here to find out more.
ABBOT'S WOOD
What it's Great For:
* Picturesque lake (Abbot's Amble Trail)
* Small (tiny) play area in picnic area
Click here to find out more.
Arlington, Nr. Polegate, East Sussex
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With two wheel-friendly walking trails, a stroll with the family in this ancient woodland can be enjoyed at any time of the year!
HIGHWOODS
Bexhill, East Sussex
With four, well-signposted routes to choose from, a walk here is super-easy for families!
​What it's Great For:
* Letter way-marks state the distance in each direction to the end of
each trail
* Several ponds (two are great for pond dipping)!
* Paradise for tree-climbing kids
* Wheelchair-friendly route
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Click here to find out more.
FRISTON FOREST
Exceat, Nr. Seaford, East Sussex
A wonderful place for the whole family - choose a walking or cycling trail to suit you. Travel through beautiful beech woodland for great views of the Cuckmere valley and the sweeping South Downs.
What it's Great For:
* Variety of walking and cycling trails to follow
* Swing on the rope swings
* Collect fallen branches to add to one of the ready-made dens or build your own
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Click here to find out more.
OWLBEECH & LEECHPOOL WOODS
Horsham, West Sussex
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A beautiful mix of wet woodland and heathland habitats in these well cared for woods. The ‘Woodland Walk’ (green arrow way-marks) is a lovely place to escape the heat on a summer’s day, whilst the coniferous trees on the ‘Heathland Route’ (purple way-marks) make it a pretty (and relatively mud-free) option for winter.
What it's Great For:
* Extensive wooden boardwalk trail through wetland habitat (Woodland Walk)
* Varied wildlife, fauna and forestry (fantastic bluebells in Spring)
* Good play area, suitable for children of all ages
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Click here to find out more.
ASHPLATS WOOD
​What it's Great For:
* Explore the woodland trails and bridges
* Climb the Ghyll steps. How many are there?
* Discover the woodland playground (older children)
Click here to find out more.
East Grinstead, West Sussex
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A pleasant circular route takes visitors around the open parkland of East Court mansion and the ancient woodland of Ashplats Wood. ​
BIRCHDEN WOOD
Groombridge, East Sussex
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Follow the surfaced 1.5 km wheel-friendly 'easy access trail' to explore stunning beech woodland. Stop along the way to view the sculptures and read about the local history of the area.
What it's Great For:
* All weather, surfaced trail
* Huge sandstone outcrop - Harrison's Rock (take a detour from trail to view)
* Picnic area and toilet facilities
Click here to find out more.
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