Yes, there are several significant forests near London, including Epping Forest, Richmond Park (though technically a park, it contains ancient woodland), and the larger designated National Forests like the New Forest and the Forest of Dean within a two-hour drive. For a quick escape, Epping Forest is the closest large ancient woodland, while the New Forest offers a more immersive forest experience.
What Counts as a Forest Near London?
The word “forest” is used loosely in the UK. Historically, a forest was a legal term for land set aside for royal hunting, not necessarily covered in trees. Today, when people ask about forests near London, they usually mean large areas of woodland with walking trails, wildlife, and a sense of being away from the city. The closest options are often ancient woodlands managed by the City of London Corporation or the National Trust, while the largest designated forests are further out.
Closest Ancient Woodlands (Under 1 Hour)
These are the easiest to reach by public transport or car from central London:
- Epping Forest – 2,400 hectares of ancient woodland straddling Greater London and Essex. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. The forest has over 100 miles of paths and is famous for its pollarded beech and hornbeam trees, some over 400 years old. Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, built in 1543, sits at the northern edge.
- Richmond Park – Although a royal park, it contains 1,000 ancient oaks and is a National Nature Reserve. The park is home to 630 red and fallow deer, and its woodlands are a mix of ancient and planted trees. It is the largest of London’s Royal Parks, covering 2,500 acres.
- Hampstead Heath – Not a forest, but it has three ancient woods (the Heath is a Site of Metropolitan Importance). The woods are mainly oak and hornbeam, and the Heath covers 790 acres with a wild feel.
Larger Forests Within 2 Hours
If you want a true “forest” experience with dense tree cover and longer trails, these are the best options:
- The New Forest – About 90 minutes by train from London Waterloo. It is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England, covering 566 square kilometres. It was established as a royal forest by William the Conqueror in 1079. The forest is famous for its free-roaming ponies, cattle, and deer. It is a National Park and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- The Forest of Dean – About 2 hours from London by car. One of England’s oldest surviving forests, covering 110 square kilometres. It was a royal hunting forest and later a source of timber for ships. Today it has miles of cycling and walking trails, and is known for its wild boar population (reintroduced in the 1990s).
- Ashdown Forest – In East Sussex, about 1.5 hours from London. It is the setting for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories. It is a heathland and woodland mix, covering 6,500 acres, with open heath and pine and birch woods.
How to Choose the Right Forest
Consider what you want from your visit:
- Accessibility – Epping Forest and Richmond Park are the easiest by Tube or Overground. The New Forest requires a train to Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst Road.
- Activities – For cycling, the Forest of Dean has the best dedicated trails (e.g., the Family Cycle Trail). For horse riding, the New Forest has many bridleways. For a gentle walk, any of the ancient woods near London work.
- Crowds – Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath are busy on weekends. Epping Forest is quieter away from the main car parks. The New Forest is large enough to find solitude.
- Facilities – The New Forest and Forest of Dean have visitor centres, cafes, and toilets. Epping Forest has several car parks and a visitor centre at Chingford.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the New Forest is entirely covered in trees. In fact, it is a mosaic of heathland, grassland, and ancient woodland. The open heath is a result of centuries of grazing by commoners’ animals. Another issue is parking: many forests near London have pay-and-display car parks that fill up by 10am on sunny weekends. Also, deer ticks are present in all these forests, so check for ticks after your walk. In the New Forest, ponies are wild and may bite if fed, so keep your distance.
Costs and Practicalities
Most forests are free to enter. Car parking charges apply at Epping Forest (free at some car parks, but paid at others like Connaught Water), the New Forest (pay at most car parks), and Ashdown Forest (pay at most car parks). Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath have free parking (limited). Train travel from London to the New Forest costs roughly £30-£50 return, depending on when you book. The Forest of Dean is best reached by car.
Safety and Etiquette
Follow the Countryside Code: keep dogs on leads around livestock and deer, take your litter home, and do not light fires (it is illegal in most forests). In the New Forest, keep a safe distance from ponies and don’t feed them – they can bite and kick. In tick season (spring to autumn), wear long trousers and use insect repellent. If you find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers and clean the area. Also, be aware that some forests have open water – in Epping Forest, Connaught Water is a popular spot but swimming is not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get to a forest from London by public transport?
Yes. Epping Forest is served by the Central Line to Epping or Loughton, and then a short walk. Richmond Park is a 10-minute walk from Richmond Station (District Line or Overground). The New Forest has trains from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst, with a connecting bus to the forest. Ashdown Forest is harder by public transport – you’d need a train to East Grinstead and then a taxi.
Are there any forests in Greater London?
Yes, Epping Forest is partly within Greater London (the southern tip at Wanstead). Also, there are smaller woods like Oxleas Wood in Greenwich (one of the oldest woods in London) and Highgate Wood. However, these are not large forests, but they are genuine ancient woodland remnants.
What is the best forest for a family with young children?
Epping Forest is a good choice because it has easy trails, a visitor centre at Chingford with a cafe and toilets, and plenty of open space. The New Forest is also great, with the added attraction of seeing ponies and donkeys, but it’s a longer journey.
Can I camp in any of these forests?
Wild camping is not allowed in any of these forests. The New Forest has designated campsites (e.g., Hollands Wood, Roundhill) that you pay to use. Epping Forest does not allow camping. The Forest of Dean has campsites too, but they are not wild.
Is it safe to go alone?
Yes, but stick to main paths and let someone know your route. In Epping Forest, there have been occasional reports of anti-social behaviour, but it is generally safe in daylight. In the New Forest, the main risk is getting lost on the many paths – carry a map or use a GPS app.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) for bluebells, autumn (October) for colours, and winter for crisp walks and fewer people. Summer is busy, and in the New Forest, the ponies are more active. Always check the weather – these forests can be muddy after rain.
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