If you stick around in your little bubble of the big city, chances are you might not experience nature to its fullest all that often. And with spring winging its way to the city, and the pretty leaves starting to sprout, there’s no better time to head out on a vibrant wander around a forest. We suggest poking around on the outskirts of the city to experience the wonder of the lovely London forests that await you. Who knows? You might forget you’re in London altogether!
1. Epping Forest
A slightly longer-than-usual trip along the Central line brings you to the edge of Epping Forest. A north-east London forest that spreads well into Essex, Epping Forest boasts over 6,000 acres of space to explore. It makes up London’s largest open space and makes for the perfect spot to unwind and get away from the stress of the city. An abundance of lakes, rivers, cute little bridges and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots live in this not-so-little gem. As you’ll see, it also gets a lovely set of bluebells popping up in the springtime.
🚇 The nearest stations are Epping and Woodford.
2. Highgate Wood
Between East Finchley and Highgate hides this gorgeous 28-hectare London forest—an ancient woodland nestled into the background of suburbia. Supporting a variety of wildlife habitats, you’ll see plenty of nature and little critters playfully contrasting the usual fast-paced life of a Londoner. Highgate Wood offers you a little escape to the countryside without ever having to leave the city. And you’re sure to come across plenty of cute dogs as you stroll through these forests!
🚇 The nearest stations are Highgate and East Finchley.
3. Queen’s Wood
Queen’s Wood is situated on Muswell Hill and is grouped with four other ancient woods that are thought to have descended from the original ‘Wildwood’, which covered almost the entirety of Britain over five thousand years ago. It’s now a bit smaller and is a humble yet gorgeous example of one of London’s forests. With some remarkable walking paths, we’re sure this little patch of earthy heaven will leave you will a feeling of restored calm on a slow Sunday morning.
🚇 Nearest stations are Archway and Highgate.
4. Petts Wood
Petts Wood is part of the London Outer Orbital Walk and travels through the village-esque Bromley suburb. So, if you feel like a trek through the forests but don’t want to stray too far from home, then this is the woodland for you. ‘300 acres of peace and tranquility’ is advertised on their site, and we could all use a bit of that. Take your dog with you and get lost in the shrubs and clean air.
🚇 The nearest station is Petts Wood.
5. Railway Fields Local Nature Reserve
Fancy a picnic? Then all aboard to the Railway Fields Local Nature Reserve, a beautiful environment of wildlife and nature laid out on former railway land. Endorsed by Haringey Council, this north London space is in the heart of the local community. A little smaller in size than the other woodlands in this list but still boasting a wide variety of plant life, anyone with a green thumb is sure to love this reserve.
🚇 The nearest station is Haringey Green Lanes.
6. Wick Woodland
This secret spot in Hackney is full of surprises. The Wick Woodland is hidden away from the rest of Hackney Wick, but easy to find for those in the know. Just off the canal, it’s easy to get lost in this place — but I promise you won’t mind. We’ve all go to the forests for an escape, after all.
🚇 The nearest station is Hackney Wick.
7. Horsenden Hill
Over in West London, there’s a beautiful spot to look out over the city. While it’s further from the centre than its more populated peer Primrose Hill, it gives you another vantage point over the city to catch on a clear day. Once you’re done gazing out, you can head down into the beautiful ancient woodland lower down the hill for a walk among the shrubbery – and there’s even a trail based on the beloved childrens’ book The Gruffalo for the family to participate in! It’s a nature reserve tucked away that’s well worth a trip out of busy centre for.
🚇 The nearest stations are Greenford, Perivale, and Sudbury Town.
8. Hainult Forest
We return to the far-east side of the Central Line as we embark on a journey to Hainult; setting out proudly to spot some of the 1,000-odd species of wildlife that have been spotted in this ancient woodland. Epping might get the plaudits, but the miles of footpaths to explore here make this an essential Essex forest to walk around, to drink in, and to maybe even spot a nightingale or turtle dove?
🚇 The nearest station is Hainult.
9. Ruffet And Big Woods
Credit: @deedeeart, via Instagram
Another site that will provide views over London if you head to the right part is Ruffet and Big Wood in Sutton. These are two adjoining woods that make up a seven-hectare nature reserve, and it’s a top spot to have a stroll through swathes of sycamore trees. If you go at the right time of year, you’ll also be treated to a sea of bluebells to light up your eyes after a dark winter.
🚇 The nearest station is Purley.
10. Ruislip Woods
London’s largest forest area can be found in Ruislip, made up of ‘ancient semi-natural woodland’, consisting of multiple areas of woodland joined together to form the giant nature reserve. You can take guided tours around the woods or wander around as you please using the curated colour codes for each path. Read more about the different walks and events at Rusilip Woods here.