Woodlands and Forests in the UK Perfect for strolling or tracking wildlife.

August 27, 2025

One-eighth of the UK’s total land area is covered by forests and woodlands; here are some of the best to visit whatever the time of year.

Scotland

Loch Ard Forest, Stirlingshire

Nestled among the rugged hills bordering Loch Lomond, Loch Ard Forest captivates with its stunning scenery. The forest’s ancient oaks and stately conifers form a striking contrast against the sparkling waters, creating an unforgettable setting for walkers. This woodland also supports a rich variety of wildlife, including otters, red squirrels, roe deer, and osprey, making it an outstanding location for those interested in observing nature.

Foggieton Woods, Aberdeenshire

Located just outside Aberdeen, Foggieton Woods is a peaceful retreat that once served as farmland and now offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Countesswells Wood. The woodland is especially favoured by dog walkers and those searching for tranquil green spaces.

The name ‘Foggieton’ means ‘mossy farm’ in Doric, and reminders of the area’s agricultural past can still be found in the form of old farm walls scattered amongst the trees.

Visitors can explore a number of marked trails, including the Ladyhill Trail, which meanders through impressive stands of beech and passes through patches brimming with blackberries and raspberries during the summer and autumn months.

 Mull of Galloway

The Mull of Galloway is renowned for the richness and diversity of its wildlife, which significantly contributes to the local tourism industry—generating an impressive £8 million annually. Visitors are drawn by the breathtaking wildflowers and harbours, where dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, and occasionally Minke whales can be spotted.

Yet, it is the remarkable birdlife that truly distinguishes the area. The region is the focus of the Wild Isles series, as it is home to Britain’s largest bird of prey: the white-tailed eagle, whose wingspan can reach up to two metres.

Bird enthusiasts also flock to the Mull of Galloway during early autumn, when thousands of migrating songbirds pass through. On days when the tide is high, visitors can witness the extraordinary spectacle known as “visible migration”—a phenomenon not to be missed.

Lerwick Harbour, Shetland

Lerwick Harbour is renowned for its vibrant marine life, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation between May and August. During this period, orcas—commonly referred to as “killer whales”—and white-sided dolphins frequently approach the shoreline, providing memorable sightings for visitors. Occasionally, more elusive ocean dwellers such as basking sharks and sperm whales have also been spotted in these waters.

Seal enthusiasts will find both grey and common seals inhabiting the harbour. Common seals typically bring out their pups in June, their offspring distinguishable by notably dark coats. Grey seals, on the other hand, give birth in November. Their pups are born with a creamy-white coat, which is shed around three weeks of age.

Beyond seals and whales, Lerwick Harbour supports a population of otters. The best chance to observe these playful creatures comes in the summer months, when female otters guide their cubs in the art of hunting amidst the kelp forests that fringe much of Shetland’s coastline.

North England

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest spans 8,000 acres of captivating, mixed woodland. Situated near both Windermere and Coniston Water, it offers a network of picturesque walking trails that wind alongside tranquil streams and lakes, framed by lush fern trees.

One of Grizedale’s most remarkable features is its renowned woodland sculpture trail, among the earliest of its kind in the country. This trail showcases impressive sculptures crafted entirely from natural materials by leading figures in contemporary art, such as Allanah Robbins’ striking ‘Lady of the Water’.

Nature lovers will especially appreciate that Grizedale Forest is home to England’s last indigenous woodland fallow deer herd—keep an eye out for these graceful animals as you explore.

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Kielder Forest stands as the largest forest in England, stretching over 250 square miles of diverse landscape. Primarily managed as a working forest, it is a significant source of sawlogs—high-value timber used in furniture making and construction—which highlights its importance to both the local economy and the broader timber industry.

Surrounding the vast expanse of Kielder Water, the largest manmade lake in the United Kingdom, the forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It provides refuge for about half of England’s native red squirrel population, making it one of the best places in the country to spot these elusive creatures. The area also supports a rich array of other wildlife, including ospreys, otters, badgers, roe deer, and water voles, offering visitors remarkable opportunities for nature observation.

An extensive network of trails weaves through the forest, catering to a variety of outdoor pursuits. Walkers and cyclists can explore miles of scenic paths, while mountain bike enthusiasts will find dedicated tracks tailored to their sport. Among the highlights is the Lakeside Way, a 26-mile multi-use trail that traces the shimmering shoreline of Kielder Water. This path is thoughtfully designed to accommodate walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and is accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the striking beauty and tranquillity of the forest.

Midlands

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Renowned as an ancient hunting ground, Sherwood Forest is steeped in history and legend. Most notably, it is famously linked to Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw said to have called these woods home.

Remarkably, much of Sherwood Forest remains largely unchanged since Robin Hood’s era, with many trees standing for more than five centuries. The forest’s Major Oak — an iconic tree believed to be about 1,000 years old — is a testament to its enduring legacy.

In addition to its storied past, Sherwood Forest is a designated National Nature Reserve. It boasts the largest collection of ancient oak trees in Europe and provides habitat for a diverse range of rare birds, mammals, and insects.

Wyre Forest, Worcestershire

Wyre Forest has become the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the UK, following the 2022 expansion that added nearly 900 hectares—an increase of 160%—to its protected area. Now spanning 1,455 hectares, this vast sea of ancient oaks and fir trees offers an ideal setting for a day immersed in nature.

Within the forest’s arboretum, visitors can discover the rare Whitty Pear trees, which bloom with delicate white flowers in May and June and bear small, pear-shaped fruit each October. The forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with an impressive variety of birdlife such as redstarts, woodpeckers, and tree pipits, as well as mammals including deer, otters, voles, and bats.

A network of trails winds through the forest, inviting exploration on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, or on a run. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Wyre Forest also features a Go Ape course, providing a thrilling way to enjoy the woodland landscape.

South England

Thetford Forest, East Anglia

Located on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, Thetford Forest is recognised as the UK’s largest manmade lowland forest, spanning approximately 18,730 hectares. Distinct from ancient woodland, Thetford is a product of 20th-century planting efforts, established in the 1920s to replenish Britain’s timber supplies following World War I. Today, it stands as the largest pine forest in Great Britain.

The forest is renowned for its wildlife, offering opportunities to spot deer and hares, making it a favourite among birdwatchers and photographers. A variety of trails criss-cross the woodland, catering to walkers and cyclists alike. Apart from the Stanford Battle Area, the entire forest is accessible to horse riders as well, encouraging exploration for visitors of all interests.

Snettisham, Norfolk

From late summer through early winter, the mudflats of The Wash become a gathering place for tens of thousands of wading birds. When the tides cover the flats, species such as knots, oystercatchers, and dunlins take to the sky, swirling in vast flocks above the reserve.

In summer, over 100,000 knots may assemble, performing aerial displays that mirror the mesmerizing patterns of a starling murmuration. During the winter months, as many as 40,000 pink-footed geese migrate from Iceland and Greenland, congregating on The Wash.

These breathtaking displays offer a remarkable spectacle for visitors. However, it is important to consult the nature reserve’s website in advance to ensure your visit coincides with a high tide day, when the birds’ flights are at their most impressive.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

Located just 30 miles from London, Ashdown Forest stands as one of southern England’s most picturesque open landscapes. The forest is renowned for serving as the real-world backdrop to A.A. Milne’s beloved Hundred Acre Wood from Winnie the Pooh. Milne, who lived locally, drew inspiration from Ashdown’s scenery, weaving its landmarks into the fabric of his stories.

Throughout the forest, visitors will discover tributes to Winnie the Pooh. There are two specially marked trails guiding visitors to the various storybook locations, as well as a dedicated Pooh car park. No trip would be complete without a game of Poohsticks at the original Poohsticks Bridge, beloved by fans young and old.

But Ashdown Forest offers far more than literary landmarks. With 6,500 acres of heathland and woodland, the forest is a haven for adventure, inviting exploration and enjoyment in every season.

The New Forest, Hampshire

Though its name may suggest otherwise, the New Forest has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, long before William the Conqueror designated it as royal hunting grounds around 1079. Spanning approximately 3,000 square miles from the Solent northward to Salisbury, it remains one of southern England’s largest expanses of pasture, heath, and woodland.

The forest is threaded with scenic walking trails, inviting visitors to pause in charming villages such as Hordle, Lymington, and Brockenhurst. Notably, the New Forest is renowned for its population of around 5,000 wild ponies that freely roam the trails—so much so that these iconic residents have right of way over cars traversing the woodlands.

Hainault Forest, Greater London

Just a short distance from the heart of London, Hainault Forest offers a tranquil escape from urban life. This woodland is one of the few remnants of the ancient Forest of Essex, once renowned as a medieval hunting ground. Today, it is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, supporting an impressive variety of plants and wildlife.

In fact, Hainault Forest has recorded 158 different bird species, including, on occasion, the elusive nightingale. During the warmer months, visitors may spot turtle doves and vibrant butterflies fluttering among the trees.

For those keen to discover more about the flora and fauna of Hainault Forest, a complete list of wildlife and plants to look out for is available on the Woodland Trust website.

Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire

With origins stretching back over two millennia to the Atlantic Period (5500 BC to 2600 BC), Alice Holt Forest is steeped in history. The discovery of Iron Age, Bronze Age, and Roman artefacts throughout the forest attests to its enduring significance.

Encompassing 247 hectares of stunning woodland, Alice Holt offers a variety of peaceful walking and wellbeing trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. For those seeking more energetic pursuits, the activity centre boasts a range of health and fitness opportunities to enjoy in the heart of the forest.

Adventure enthusiasts can tackle the Go Ape course, navigating treetop obstacles for a thrilling experience. Families with children may delight in searching for the charming Gruffalo sculptures hidden amongst the trees, adding an element of playful discovery to their visit.

Swinley Forest, Berkshire

Swinley Forest, part of the Crown Estate, covers more than 2,600 acres of rolling hills, extending from Bracknell to Crowthorne at the southwestern edge of Windsor Great Park.

For those seeking adventure, the forest features a high-ropes Go Ape course, where visitors can swing between trees and soar on zip wires through the treetops. Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate Swinley’s mountain bike track, renowned as one of the finest in the UK and once considered as a potential venue for the 2012 Olympics.

Alternatively, if a leisurely walk is more your pace, Swinley Forest offers a variety of tranquil woodland routes, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Ashridge Estate spans 5,000 acres, comprising ancient beech and oak woodlands that create a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere throughout the year. The enchanting scenery of Ashridge is so captivating that it has served as the mystical forest backdrop in two Disney films: Into the Woods and Maleficent.

Visitors can wander along miles of meandering pathways, where sightings of fallow deer are common, adding to the estate’s unique charm. The National Trust provides a range of self-guided walks on their website, offering options from brief, half-hour strolls to full-day explorations—perfect for anyone eager to experience the beauty of Ashridge at their own pace.

Fingle Woods, Devon

Fingle Woods stretches across 825 acres of the picturesque Teign Valley, sitting at the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park. Acquired by the National Trust and Woodland Trust in 2013, the woodland is now carefully restored and preserved for future generations.

In spring, the woods come alive with vibrant displays of wild daffodils, followed by stunning bluebell carpets that blanket the forest floor with shades of blue and purple in early summer. Nature enthusiasts can often spot wood warblers and redstarts along the woodland edges, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers.

At the highest point of Fingle Woods lies Wooston Castle, an ancient Iron Age hill fort. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views across the valley and the woodland below, providing a memorable highlight to any exploration of this enchanting forest.

Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest, County Down

Nestled beneath the majestic Mourne Mountains and spanning nearly 630 hectares, Tollymore Forest offers breathtaking vistas that stretch from lush woodland to the shimmering coastline of Newcastle Beach.

Visitors can explore four distinct waymarked trails, each ranging from a gentle half-mile wander to more adventurous routes of up to five and a half miles. Every trail offers its own character and discoveries.

The blue trail guides walkers through the Tollymore Arboretum, Ireland’s oldest collection of trees, where a diverse array of species unfold in tranquil beauty. For those seeking river views, the black trail traces the banks of the Shimna River, leading to the dramatic panoramas atop Luke’s Mountain, making each step a memorable journey through one of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting forests.

Banagher Glen, County Derry

Banagher Glen stands as one of the few remaining ancient forests in the United Kingdom that has been largely untouched by human activity. This pristine woodland is recognized as one of Northern Ireland’s oldest oak forests, where the steep slopes of the glens are adorned with centuries-old ash, oak, hazel, hawthorn, and holly trees. The shaded banks along the river are carpeted with an abundance of mosses and ferns, creating a haven for a variety of delicate plant life.

Walking through the forest’s steep and winding trails, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views overlooking Altnaheglish Reservoir and Banagher Dam, offering a serene and memorable conclusion to any exploration of this remarkable woodland.

Killarney National Park, County Derry

From late September through early November, visitors to this national park can witness the spectacle of red deer during the rutting season. During these months, stags fiercely compete for territory, food, and mates—a dramatic display involving Ireland’s last remaining indigenous herd, which has thrived here since Neolithic times.

Outside of rutting season, the park offers a variety of walking trails winding through picturesque glens, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Adventurers may also encounter some of the park’s rarer inhabitants, such as otters, stoats, and American minks, adding further wonder to every journey.

Wales

Gwydir Forest, Conwy

Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia, Gwydir Forest is a striking woodland bordered by rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and small streams tumbling over craggy rocks. Encompassing the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed—often celebrated as one of the prettiest in Snowdonia National Park—this forest offers a captivating setting for exploration.

Gwydir Forest’s diverse network of walking paths and cycle trails weaves through ancient groves and scenic clearings, inviting visitors to discover its tranquil beauty at their own pace. The area is steeped in myth and legend, most notably the tale of Garog, a dragon said to have once dwelled beneath its leafy canopy, adding a touch of enchantment to every journey within this storied forest.

Coed y Brenin Forest, Snowdonia

Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin Forest is renowned as Britain’s first purpose-built mountain biking centre, drawing enthusiasts from near and far. Beyond its reputation for biking, the forest offers a variety of waymarked walking and running trails suitable for all abilities.

The one-mile Afon Eden Trail leads visitors along well-surfaced roads, winding gently through the woodland. For those seeking a longer and more challenging route, the four-mile Gain Waterfall Trail traverses steep, narrow paths and guides walkers towards the twin waterfalls of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach rivers, providing a dramatic and rewarding experience amid the natural beauty of Snowdonia.

South Stack Cliffs, Anglesey

In the spring months, South Stack Cliffs come alive with a bustling seabird colony. Guillemots, razorbills, and the iconic puffins flock to these dramatic sea cliffs to reunite with their mates. Each season, nearly 9,000 seabirds nest here, transforming the cliffs into a vibrant city of wings and calls. Year-round residents such as peregrine falcons and ravens can also be spotted perched on the rugged rocks.

For sweeping vistas of the thriving seabird community and the colourful wildflowers that blanket the clifftops, visitors can ascend Ellin’s Tower. As autumn arrives, the area offers opportunities to observe passing shearwaters as well as porpoises and dolphins navigating the strong tidal currents just offshore.

Beyond the cliffs, the South Stack nature reserve is home to the largest expanse of maritime heath in North Wales. This precious habitat is carefully managed, providing essential conditions for one of the site’s rarest inhabitants: ten pairs of chough. These striking birds rely on the heathland, making South Stack an important stronghold for their continued survival.

Is there a favourite forest or woodland you like to explore? If so please let us know.

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