Whether you want to get some shade on a sunny day or you want to shelter from the downpour during the rainy seasons, a forest walk is always a good option. Don’t know where to go? Not to worry, I’ve got you covered with this selection of the best woodland walks near London. Would you dare follow me in the forest?
Why a Woodland Walk?
There is a forest walk for every season.
When you go during the autumn season, you can enjoy the kaleidoscopic colours of the leaves, ranging from yellow to dark brown, passing by bright red. It is also this time of the year when you stumble on fungi of various shapes and colours.
When you go during the summer, the trees offer shade and freshness. In my article about the best tips for hiking in the summer heat, I go through how important it is when choosing the trail to pick one with forested areas to get away from the sun and the heat.
Make one with the forest.
There is an ancient Japanese practice called forest bathing which consists in taking conscious walks in the woods, and immersing yourself in the sounds and smells around you. And what can be better than the smell of the ground in the woods after the rain? Forest Bathing is one of the 12 benefits of walking and hiking that help you to take a break and reconnect with nature.
At a Glance
In a hurry? No problem. Check the table below for the key data on the best woodland walks near London. I go into more detail for each walk in the article below.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broxbourne Forest | 7.5 miles (12.2 km) | 157 feet (47.8 m) | 3 hours | Easy |
| Ashdown Forest | 14.8 miles (23.8 km) | 1168 ft (356 m) | 5 hours | Intermediate |
| Alice Holt Forest | 3.8 miles (6 km) | 200 ft (61 m) | 1 hour 30 min | Easy |
| Orpington Woods | 14.8 miles (23.8 km) | 1398 ft (425 m) | 5 hours 10 min | Intermediate |
| Epping Forest | 12.12 miles (19.5km) | 885 ft (270m) | 3 hours | Easy |
Woodland Walks Near London
So now we covered the basics, let’s get down the list of the best woodland walks near London.
1 – Broxbourne Woods
The NNR trail runs through four different forests in Hertfordshire, between Broxbourne and Bayford. This walk in the Broxbourne woods is an easy section of the NNR trail, perfect for a nice weekend walk with family or friends, both two and four-legged!
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Broxbourne Woods Walk
- Distance:7.5 miles (12.2 km)
- Total Ascent: 157 feet (47.8 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Direct trains from Liverpool Street station to Broxbourne. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Take the same train back to Liverpool Street station so you can get a day return ticket
- What to pack
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Waterproof footwear is recommended for a forest walk
- Backpack
- Water (at least 2 litres)
- Snacks
- Rain gear if the weather forecast is not looking great
- Head cover, sunscreen and sunglasses if going on a bright & hot day
- Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available at Barclay Park
- This is a god-friendly walk
- This is a stile-free walk
Highlights of the Broxbourne Woods Walk
- New River
- Barclay Park
- Broxbourne Woods
- Hoddesdonpark Wood
- Hoddesdon centre
Broxbourne Woods Walk Map
2 – Ashdown Forest
Step into the magical world of AA Miles, the author of Winne the Pooh, with this walk through the forest that inspired the book. You will find all the landmarks of our childhood favourite glutton bear: the 100 Acre Wood, Gill’s Lap, the Enchanted Forest and most importantly Pooh Bridge, where you can test your skills at the Pooh Stick game.
This hike is a long circular trail around the village of Ashurst, but of course, you can choose to only do the forest part, which is the highlight of this walk.
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Ashdown Forest Walk
- Distance: 14.8 miles (23.8 km)
- Total Ascent: 1168 ft (356 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Direct train from London Bridge to Ashurst. The Journey takes 50 minutes.
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket.
- Where to eat:
- The Anchor Inn, Hartfield
- Pooh Corner, Hartfield
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk, however, there is a pub stop in Hartfield
- What to bring with you
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- The path can get muddy so make sure you bring waterproof footwear
- Poles can be handy
- Backpack
- Snacks and packed lunch – there is no pub/coffee shop on this walk for lunch
- Rain Gear if there is a risk of rain but most of the path is covered
Highlights of the Ashdown Forest Walk
- Ashurst Village, Kent
- Withyham Village, East Sussex
- Ashdown Forest
- 100 Acre Wood
- Gill’s Lap
- The Enchanted Place
- Pooh Bridge Stick
- AA Mile Memorial
- Hartfield Village, East Sussex
Ashdown Forest Walk Map
3 – Alice Holt Forest
Go on an orientation trail to find the Gruffalo and his friends in the forest. With so many other activities to choose from such as bike riding, horse riding and Go Ape, the Alice Holt Forest is the perfect place for a family day out. And if you don’t want to drive there, I’ve got just the perfect trail for you!
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Alice Holt Forest Walk
- Distance: 3.8 miles (6 km)
- Total Ascent: 200 ft (61 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 30 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there: Train from London Waterloo to Bentley in Hampshire (and not the Bentley in Yorkshire). The journey takes 1 hour and 15 min
- What to bring with you
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- It is a forest walk so it can get muddy. Make sure you bring waterproof shoes/boots with you
- Backpack
- Snacks
- A packed Lunch or you can buy lunch at the Coffee Shop
- Bank Card as the site is cashless
Important Information
Opening Hours
April: 8am – 7pm
May to September: 8 am – 9 pm
October: 8 am – 7 pm
November: 8 am – 6 pm
December to February: 8am – 5pm
March: 8 am – 6 pm
Contact
Address: Bucks Horn Oak, GU10 4LS, Farnham
How to get there: Train from London Waterloo to Bentley in Hampshire (and not the Bentley in Yorkshire). The journey takes 1 hour and 15 min
Website: www.forestryengland.uk
Phone: 0300 067 4448
Email Adress: enquiries.aliceholt@forestryengland.uk
Price
Unless you choose to go by car, the entrance to Alice Holt Forest is free of charge.
For the Parking charges, please check the website mentioned above.
Please note that the site is cashless with the exception of the coffee shop so you would need to pay by card for the parking.
Facilities
Coffee shop
Toilets and accessible toilets
Baby changing facilities
Picnic Area
Playground
Dog Wash
Visitor Center
Activities
Bike Hire
Horse Riding
Nordic Walking
Go Ape – booking is essential
Gruffalo Sculpture Trail – Self-guided orientation trail for children
Superworm Trail (£3.5) – Interactive learning trail for children
6 walking trails including one easy-access trail
Park Run Trails
Highlights of the Alice Holt Forest Walk
- Alice Holt Arboretum
- Alice Holt Forest
- Gruffalo Sculptures Trail
- Shipwrights Way Trail
Alice Holt Forest Walk Map
4 – Orpington Woods
Taking a stroll through Lily’s and Andrew’s Woods is the perfect spot to admire bluebells during springtime. Dive into an infinite purple pool on one of the most beautiful woodland walks near London. Forget the popular Tunbridge Wells bluebell walk and come off the beating track with the Orpington Woods walk!
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics of the Bluebell Walk in Kent
- Distance: 14.8 miles (23.8 km)
- Ascent: 1398 feet (425 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Beginner/ Intermediate – the terrain is easy, but the distance may be challenging for beginners to complete. If you have never hiked before, you can look at shortening the loop
- How to get there:
- Direct trains from Charing Cross also stopping at London Waterloo East and London Bridge stations. The journey from Charing Cross can take between 25 to 40 minutes depending if you get the fast or the slow train.
- Orpington is on the TFL network, fare zone 6, so no need to buy train tickets. You can travel with your Oyster or contactless card
- What to bring with you:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Trainers are acceptable on this walk as long as it has not been raining before as the path in the woods could get muddy
- Backpack with water (2L recommended)
- Snacks & packed lunch
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Rain gear and gaiters depending on the weather conditions
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Pub Stop: The Cricketers Knoll, Orpington
Highlights of the Bluebell Walk in Kent
- Orpington
- Lily’s Wood
- Lullginstone Country Park
- Andrew’s Wood
- Shoreham
- Well Hill
- Chelsfield
Orpington Woods Walk Map
5 – Epping Forest
Let’s end our selection of the best woodland walks near London with the well-known Epping Forest walk. The 2,400 hectares of green land in the Greater London perimeter and easily accessible by tube, is an ideal location for any Londoner wanting to escape from the city without leaving it.
Read the complete walking guide here.
Logistics for the Epping Forest Walk
- Distance: 12.12 miles (19.5km)
- Ascent: 885 ft (270m)
- Walking estimate: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there: Central Line to Epping Station
- What to bring with you:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack with water (2L recommended)
- Snacks
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if sunny
- Rain gear and gaiters if raining
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Pub Stop: The George & Dragon, Epping
Highlights of the Epping Forest Walk
- Epping town
- Epping Forest
- Eat at the George & Dragon
Epping Forest Walk Map
Final Thoughts on the Woodland Walks near London
I hope you enjoyed this selection of the best woodland walks near London. If you want to do these walks by yourself, you can download the maps and upload them onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide here.
If you don’t want to do these walks by yourself, you can join a hiking group. For more information about London-based walking groups, check my review here.
And you, what is your favourite forest walk? Let me know in the comment below.
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