Wapsbourne Farm (Wowo)

The site is a 10-minute stroll from Sheffield Park's charming 1880s station, where you can board steam trains that run up and down the Bluebell Railway, a heritage line that runs through the Sussex countryside up to East Grinstead (the station also has a museum and gift shop). Also within spitting distance is a local brewery and taproom where you can sample fine Sussex ales (10 minutes), plus another four pubs within 45 minutes' walk (The Sloop Inn, The Bull, The Oak and The Crown). This part of the world has National Trust properties galore – it might make sense to start with Sheffield Park and Gardens, given that you're so close (five minutes' drive), but there's also the fascinating Arts and Crafts-era Standen House (25 minutes) or Nymans and its renowned all-seasons woodland gardens (half an hour). Looking for a family-friendly day out nearby? The site owners also recommend Heaven Farm (five minutes), a lovely outdoor spot where there are lots of nature trails plus mini golf, an ice cream parlour and a massive kids' play barn.