With shady trails in summer, natural cover when it rains, and endless calm away from the crowds, going for walks in woodland near London is the perfect way to recharge. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry — I’ve put together a selection of the best spots for you to explore. So… are you ready to follow me into the forest?
Last updated: 10/10/2025
Why a Woodland Walk?
There is a forest walk for every season.
In autumn, you can enjoy the kaleidoscopic colours of the leaves — from golden yellows to deep browns, with flashes of bright red in between. This is also the season when you’re most likely to stumble upon fungi of all shapes, sizes, and colours scattered along the forest floor.
In summer, the trees provide shade and a refreshing coolness. In my article about the best tips for hiking in the summer heat, I explain how important it is to choose a trail with forested areas to escape the sun and keep your walk enjoyable.
Make one with the forest.
The ancient Japanese practice of forest bathing is all about taking mindful walks in the woods, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents around you. And what could be better than the earthy fragrance of the forest floor after a rainfall? Forest bathing is also one of the 12 key benefits of walking and hiking, helping you pause, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
At a Glance
In a hurry? No problem. The table below gives you a quick overview of the key details for the best woodland walks near London. If you’ve got more time, keep reading — I go into each walk in more detail further down in the article.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broxbourne Forest | 7.5 mi (12 km) | 157 ft (47.8 m) | 3 hours | Easy |
| Ashdown Forest | 14.8 mi (24 km) | 1168 ft (356 m) | 5 hours | Intermediate |
| Alice Holt Forest | 3.8 mi (6 km) | 200 ft (61 m) | 1 hour 30 min | Easy |
| Orpington Woods | 14.8 mi (24 km) | 1398 ft (425 m) | 5 hours 10 min | Intermediate |
| Epping Forest | 12 mi (19.5 km) | 885 ft (270m) | 3 hours | Easy |
| Joyden’s Wood | 7.4 m (12 km) | 207 ft (63 m) | 3 hours | Easy |
| Ruislip Woods | 5 mi (8 km) | 302 ft (92 m) | 2 hours | Easy |
Best Woodland Walks Maps
Download the GPS maps for these walks for free. Grabbing the file is simple, and if importing it into your navigation app turns into a brain-teaser, just follow my step-by-step guide to uploading GPS (GPX) maps to your phone
Woodland Walks Near London
We’ve covered the basics — now it’s time to head into the woods with this list of the best woodland walks near London.
1 – Broxbourne Woods
The Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve trail winds its way through four ancient woodlands in Hertfordshire, stretching between Broxbourne and Bayford. This section of the trail is gentle and easy to follow, making it ideal for a relaxed weekend outing. Whether you’re walking with family, catching up with friends, or bringing along a four-legged companion, the peaceful paths of Broxbourne Forest are a perfect escape from the city.
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.
For the return
- Take the same train back to Liverpool Street station so you can get a day return ticket
Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available at Barclay Park
- This is a god-friendly walk
- This is a stile-free walk
2 – Ashdown Forest
Step into the enchanting world of A.A. Milne, the beloved author of Winnie-the-Pooh, with this woodland walk through the very forest that inspired his timeless stories. Along the way, you’ll come across the landmarks that brought our favourite honey-loving bear to life: the Hundred Acre Wood, Gill’s Lap, the Enchanted Forest, and of course, the famous Pooh Bridge — where you can test your skills at a classic game of Poohsticks.
The full route is a long circular hike around the village of Ashurst, but you can easily shorten it by focusing on the forest section — the true highlight of this magical walk.
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.
For the return:
- Direct train from Ashurst to London Bridge.
- 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
3 – Alice Holt Forest
Set off on an orientation trail to track down the Gruffalo and his friends hidden among the trees. Alice Holt Forest is packed with activities beyond walking too — from cycling and horse riding to testing your courage at Go Ape. All together, it makes the perfect destination for a family day out. And if you’d rather leave the car at home, don’t worry — I’ve planned the ideal trail to get you there without driving.
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
For the return:
- Train for Bentley to London Waterloo
- It is a circular walk so you can buy a day return ticket
Additional 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
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
4 – Orpington Woods
A stroll through Lily’s and Andrew’s Woods is one of the best ways to admire carpets of bluebells in spring. For a few short weeks, the forest floor transforms into an endless sea of purple, making this one of the most beautiful woodland walks near London. Instead of joining the crowds on the well-known Tunbridge Wells bluebell walk, take the path less travelled with the enchanting Orpington Woods trail.
Logistics of the Orpington Woods Walk
- 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.
For the return:
- Train from Orpington to London Charing Cross, Waterloo East or London Bridge station
- 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
Additional Information:
- There are oilets available at Orpington Station; none during walk.
- This is a dog friendly walk
Pub Stop:
- The Cricketers Knoll, Orpington
5 – Epping Forest
Next up is the famous Epping Forest. With 2,400 hectares of ancient woodland on London’s doorstep and Tube connections to get you there with ease, it’s the go-to escape for city dwellers craving nature without the travel hassle.
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
For the return:
- Central Line from Epping Station
- Epping is in fair zone 6
Additional Information:
- There are oilets available at Epping Station; none during walk.
- This is a dog friendly walk
Pub Stop:
- The George & Dragon, Epping
6 – Joyden’s Wood Walk
Slip into the quiet charm of Joyden’s Wood, an ancient woodland tucked just beyond London’s reach. With winding trails through oaks, chestnuts and conifers, this forest feels both timeless and alive. Along the way, you’ll discover historic relics and, in spring, carpets of bluebells brightening the woodland floor. If you time your visit for autumn, the walk becomes even more special — you can finish at Beck Evans Farm, where pumpkin picking and seasonal decorations make it the perfect Halloween outing.
Logistics of the Joyden’s Wood Walk
- Distance:7.4 miles (12 km)
- Ascent: 207 ft (63 m)
- Highest Point: 295 ft (90 m)
- Lowest Point: 52 ft (16 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Train from London Victoria to Swanley
- The journey takes 35 minutes
For the return:
- Direct train from Bexley to Charing Cross via London Bridge
- The journey takes 40 minutes
Additional Information
- Toilets are available at Swanley and Bexley stations
- Public toilets can also be found in Swanley Park
- There is one stile on this walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- Tanyard Lane Bar & Kitchen, Bexley
7 – Ruislip Woods Walk
Discover the vast beauty of Ruislip Woods, London’s largest ancient woodland and a designated National Nature Reserve. With over 700 acres of oak, hornbeam and birch, it’s a place where you can truly lose yourself in nature without straying far from the city. Trails wind past the Lido, open fields and dense woodland, offering plenty of variety for a day outdoors. While there isn’t a cosy pub at the finish line, regular buses connect the end of the walk back to Denham Village where I know just a place!
Logistics of the Ruislip Woods Walk
- Distance: 5 miles (8.1 km)
- Ascent: 302 ft (92 m)
- Highest Point: 315 ft (96 m)
- Lowest Point: 141 ft (43 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Bus H13 to Ruislip Lido or bus 331 to Reservoir Road and walk to the starting point
- Return: Bus 331 from Truesdale Drive towards Uxbridge
For the return
- If you don’t go to the pub: Bus 331 from St Mary Road towards Uxbridge
- If you go to the pub: Bus 331 from Village Road towards Uxbridge
Additional Information
- Toilets available to visitors at the Ruislip Lido
- There are 2 stiles on this walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- The Lakeside Cafe, Ruislip Lido
- The Water’s Edge, Ruislip Lido
- The Swan Inn, Denham (my recommendation)
Final Thoughts on the Woodland Walks near London
From ancient forests steeped in history to family-friendly trails filled with storybook characters, these woodland walks near London prove that you don’t need to travel far to find real peace and beauty in nature. Whether you’re chasing autumn colours, spring bluebells, or simply a quiet place to walk and recharge, there’s a forest path waiting for you. So lace up your boots, pack a snack, and let the city slip away — adventure is closer than you think.
And you, what is your favourite forest walk? Let me know in the comment below.
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