The United Kingdom is home to many things – rich history, incredible heritage, and acres of ancient woodlands and beautiful heathlands. From nature reserves to protected forests, the country is a haven for glampers and holidaymakers. Adventurers can go on birdwatching trips, hiking excursions, or spend their time exploring the brightly lit night skies. There are also plenty of charming villages and towns where you can rest up throughout your stay. For your next holiday break, discover the best forests and woodlands to visit in the UK!
The Complete List of UK Woodlands For Your Holiday
With so many forests across the United Kingdom, how do you know which one to visit first? Luckily, this ultimate guide has a complete list of forests, woodlands, and nature reserves to satisfy your adventurous spirit. From amazing lakeside views to miles of walking grounds, these woodlands have plenty to offer for curious holidaymakers. Bring your family and friends, plus your furry friends for a trip of a lifetime deep within the country’s woodlands. Here are the top forests in the area that you should visit on your next break in the UK:
1. New Forest
New Forest is a unique woodland located at the heart of Southern England. Aside from its preserved status, this patch of woodland is one of the largest unenclosed forests in the country. Stretching from the southwest of Hampshire to the southeast of Wiltshire, New Forest is still a favourite among holidaymakers with a royal history dating all the way back to William the Conqueror.
The spot is a condensed woodland boasting various collections of trees including beech, birch, and oak. With its healthy foliage and diverse ecosystem, the area is a haven for birds and local critters. Holidaymakers can spend their breaks exploring the forest trails, watching the wildlife, or enjoying the many outdoor attractions.
After an afternoon of walking through New Forest, locals recommend venturing out to Lyndhurst, which is considered the woodland’s main hub. If you’ve got time, the seaside towns of Milford-on-Sea and Lymington are also nearby!
2. Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is a historical woodland found in the western area of Gloucestershire in England. In addition to the city of Gloucester to its east, the forest is also bordered by Herefordshire, River Severn, and River Severn to its west and south respectively. After New Forest, the Forest of Dean is the biggest crown forest in the country with a special area dedicated to hunting for the royal family.
The Forest of Dean is best known for its birdlife, making it a popular destination for twitchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The woodland has many bodies of water, pockets of wildflowers and heathlands, and lovely picnic areas for holidaying families. If you’re looking for the perfect nature getaway, the Forest of Dean has plenty of sights and activities to offer.
The woodland is close to many charming villages and towns as well. You can stop by anytime if you need a refill on supplies or if you simply want a nice urban break from your adventures!
3. Hainault Forest
Hainault Forest was once an extensive woodland found in between Essex and Greater London. Despite losing a large part of its woods, the forest remains one of the most popular nature retreats thanks to its newly protected status and dedicated country park. Hainault boasts a diverse array of trees, plants, and habitats, creating the perfect home for local wildlife.
The best way to explore the area is through the Three Forests Way, a circular route running for 59 miles across Hainault Forest, Epping Forest, and Hatfield Forest. The woodland is also known for its guided tours, bushcraft workshops, and outdoor playgrounds. You can visit nearby lakes, a visitor centre, and an onsite cafe where you can rest up during your excursions.
Hainault Forest is a magnet for glampers, nature enthusiasts, and families. With easy access from Greater London, it’s the perfect retreat for your next weekend break!
4. Grizedale Forest
Grizedale Forest is a woodland tucked within the Lake District in North West England. It was one of the first forests in the country to allow public access and showcase outdoor activities. Also known as the “Valley of the Pigs,” Grizedale is home to a variety of wildlife including the last herds of native Red Deer.
From birdwatching to sculpture trails, there are tons of things to do while visiting Grizedale Forest. There are also many footpaths and cycling trails for guests who want to cover more miles during their visit. If you’re feeling more adventurous, Grizedale has a special rope course featuring ziplines and rope crossings.
With its selection of country pursuits, Grizedale Forest is a haven for holidaymakers. The forest’s atmosphere provides the perfect setting for visitors and glampers. When you visit, don’t forget to check out other natural attractions such as the beautiful lake of Coniston Water!
5. Gwydir Forest
Gwydir Forest is a pocket of woodlands located within Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Due to its elevated position, the region enjoys panoramic views of the Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges. Gwydir also has many lakes and reservoirs within its area including Llyn Bodgynydd Bach, Llyn Cyfty, and Llyn Sarnau.
The forest is widely accessible with plenty of footpaths, cycling trails, and mountain bike routes. Visitors can also check out the ruins of former mines and mills where locals used to work. With its semi-remote atmosphere, Gwydir is a popular area for hikers and nature lovers.
The best part is that Gwydir is extremely pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends during your holiday. While on your break, remember to stop by the charming town of Conwy for more attractions!
6. Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest is an extensive area of heathland spanning across the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region boasts miles of open fields, pockets of woodlands, and stunning views across North and South Downs. Once used as a medieval hunting forest, Ashdown was also the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s “Hundred Acre Woods.”
The forest has two long-distance trails, the Vanguard Way, and Wealdway, both popular among amateur and seasoned walkers. If you want a more laid-back afternoon, you can visit the Vachery Forest Garden or the Old Lodge Nature Reserve. Ashdown Forest Centre is also available for guests who want to learn more about the forest’s history and attractions.
Some noteworthy landmarks that you should visit are the Nutley Windmill and The Airman’s Grave. If you’re a big fan of Winnie-the-Pooh, there’s a gift shop dedicated to everything related to everybody’s favourite bear!
7. Loch Ard Forest
Loch Ard is one of the many lakes tucked within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland. While many people visit for the lakeside views, the neighbouring forest is just as equally enchanting. There are nearby hillsides where you can climb and check out the breathtaking views across the parkland.
The lake is dotted by quaint villages and towns with sailing, boating, and rowing clubs for holidaymakers. Loch Ard is also surrounded by miles of trails for walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. As you explore, be on the lookout for local wildlife including barn owls and roe deer.
Although considered one of the region’s smaller lakes, the destination is popular among holidaymakers. While in the area, you can also visit the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park which is part of the Scottish Highlands!
8. Epping Forest
Epping Forest is the neighbouring woodland of the market town of Epping found between Greater London and Essex. Spanning over thousands of acres, the forest is a popular attraction thanks to its close proximity to urban areas. It’s also considered the biggest woodland near London, boasting a diverse collection of habitats from bogs and ponds to heathlands and rivers.
Epping Forest receives numerous visitors on a daily basis including mountain bikers and horseback riders. The forest is also used as a training area for racers and was even considered as a venue for the Summer Olympics in 2012. Other family-friendly activities include football, golf course, and cricket.
Aside from its outdoor attractions, Epping Forest has a significant place in culture and literature. The place has inspired artists such as famed sculptor Jacob Epstein and poets, Thomas Lodge and Lady Mary Wroth!
9. Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is arguably the most famous woodland in the United Kingdom. Located within the heart of Nottinghamshire, the area is an ancient royal forest best known for its legends of Robin Hood. Thanks to this amazing association, the woodland receives thousands of visitors every year and fills up the spots at Edwinstowe and Thoresby Hall.
The forest has plenty of attractions to fulfil your holiday agenda. Guests can attend craft workshops and art exhibitions at the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre. You can also go on outdoor trips across Rufford Abbey Country Park or check out the century-old, Major Oak. There’s also the Robin Hood Festival which lasts for almost a week with people dressed in medieval attire and a wide array of entertainment.
If you’re looking for woodlands to visit, then Sherwood Forest should be at the top of your list. You’ll find the perfect blend of history, literature, and culture with Sherwood and its list of attractions. While on your break, Mansfield is another market town that you should check out when you’re in the area!
10. Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate is a country estate with its own stately home and woodlands found within Hertfordshire in England. Situated right next to Chiltern Hills, the forest is surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area boasts rolling fields, pockets of trees, and landscaped gardens. Ashridge is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friends any time of the day. Just remember to keep them on the lead while you’re out exploring the area.
When visiting the estate, you can check out the onsite bookshop and plant shop for secondhand books or garden ornaments. There’s also a popular cafe and restaurant where you can buy some delicious snacks and refreshments. After a fun day out in the woodlands, stop by the gift shop for local produce or souvenirs.
Ashridge Estate is easily accessible with paved paths and dedicated walking routes. You’ll love roaming through the woods while enjoying the idyllic weather. Whether you’re visiting alone or bringing your family, you’re guaranteed a wonderful nature break!
11. Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is a woodland and National Nature Reserve located on the eastern side of Bishop’s Stortford. Despite centuries of development around its neighbouring urban areas, the forest remained relatively unchanged. Nowadays, it’s managed by the National Trust and is considered a hotspot for wildlife lovers and glampers.
There are many walking trails across the woodlands, offering glimpses of fallow deer, foxes, rabbits, and sheep. Hatfield also has a diverse collection of birds and insects for twitchers in need of a rural break. If you want to explore the region better, you can access other nearby forests through the Three Forests Way including Hainault Forest and Epping Forest. With its lush meadows and beautiful picnic spots, the forest is a must-visit for families and friends.
Hatfield Forest is also known for its many archaeological remains. One of its many sites of interest, Portingbury Hills, has produced plenty of artefacts such as flint blades and pot shards!
Final Thoughts
The United Kingdom has an amazing collection of nature reserves and woodlands fit for glampers and holidaymakers. If you’re visiting for the first time, you can start with the country’s most famous woodland – Sherwood Forest, and enjoy its literary association with the legendary Robin Hood. For holidaying families or couples on romantic breaks, you can enjoy the landscape and atmosphere at New Forest or the Forest of Dean. History lovers will also have plenty of opportunities to explore with a visit to Hatfield and Epping Forest. And if you fancy going on an extreme adventure, the woodlands of Gwydir are waiting for you!
Featured Image: “Hatfield Forest”, by RicDod, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0