Amazing forests and woodlands in the UK

Autumn is a particularly glorious time to venture into the woods with canopies turning red and gold, fallen leaves joyfully crunching underfoot and fascinating fungi to discover. Meanwhile spring and summer promise new beginnings and a flourish of vibrant life. 

To get your dappled daydreams started, we wanted to share some of the most amazing forests and woodlands that the UK has to offer. Whether you’re seeking an outdoor family adventure, a romantic stroll for two, or a solo forest bathing experience that reconnects you to nature, here are some of our favourite spots. 

The New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest is England’s smallest National Park, covering 200 square miles of pastures, heathlands, and forest that stretch all the way from the Solent to Salisbury. Contrary to its name, the New Forest is really rather old. It was originally created as William the Conqueror’s deer hunting ground in 1079 and featured in the Doomsday Book. Nowadays, it’s home to a variety of animals that freely roam the forest, including its famous ponies (4,500 of them!), as well as donkeys, cattle, and deer. In autumn, you might catch a glimpse of the pigs and piglets who are released to eat the fallen chestnuts and acorns that are poisonous to the ponies and cattle - but not to the pigs! There are more than 140 miles of walking and cycling trails to explore, offering ample opportunity to soak up the stunning landscape and spot the animals. 

Fingle Woods, Devon

Along the dramatic Teign Valley lies the 825-acre Fingle Woods, one of the last remaining patches of ancient woodland on Dartmoor. Jointly owned and managed by the Woodland Trust and National Trust, it is undergoing restoration after damage from non-native conifer planting, making it one of England's largest woodland restoration efforts. 28 miles of new trails have been introduced for visitors to take in the spectacular scenery and discover Fingle Woods’ fascinating history and abundant wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot a bright blue kingfisher along the River Fingle, or catch a glimpse of an otter making a splash!

Gwydir Forest, Snowdonia

Gwydir Forest circles the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed in the heart of Snowdonia (Eryri), surrounded by majestic mountains, lakes, and streams. Needless to say, it is a truly stunning location for a hike amongst the trees. There are multiple waymarked walking trails to wander here, from an easy 30-minute route meandering through 100-year-old Douglas Firs, to a more challenging 6.5-mile trail to Llyn Parc Lake. As well as breathtaking scenery, there are fascinating myths, legends, and folklore to discover, including stories of Dafydd ap Siencyn, a rebel, nobleman, and bard described as the ‘Welsh Robin Hood’, and a forest-dwelling dragon named Garog.

Sherwood Forest, Nottingham

Famed for its connection to the legendary Robin Hood, Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest is renowned for its medieval history and folklore. But did you know it’s also a National Nature Reserve and home to Europe’s largest collection of ancient oaks? Some of them have stood here for over 500 years – and one particularly legendary tree, the Major Oak, is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. It also measures more than 10 metres in circumference! This magical forest is a rich habitat for hundreds of species of plants, birds, insects, mammals and fungi, so there’s plenty to discover at every turn. For an extra special family adventure, look out for events and trails during your visit, like identifying cool bugs, den-building, and Robin Hood-themed guided walks.

The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

The Forest of Dean is an awe-inspiring woodland between the Wye Valley and the River Severn, woven with picture-perfect villages and 2 million ancient trees. You’ll find hundreds of miles of woodland trails of varying length here, including paths through Puzzlewood, a fairytale-like mossy forest that inspired JRR Tolkien’s middle-earth, and Symonds Yat, where you’ll see some of the most jaw-dropping views in the UK. You can also kayak or canoe here if you’d rather explore the forest from the unique vantage point of the river. The Forest of Dean has England’s largest population of wild boar too. Though it’s rare to see them, you might spot signs of their nose-work after they’ve been turning over soil with their snout and teeth in search of food! 

Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Ashdown Forest is an enchanting landscape in Sussex, famed as the inspiration behind Hundred Acre Wood and the magical tales of Winnie The Pooh. A.A Milne lived on the edge of the forest with his son, Christopher Robin, where their imagination flourished and their beloved stories were born. Today, you can follow in their footsteps, exploring spots such as the Heffalump Trap and the legendary Pooh Sticks bridge. The forest is a gorgeous location for walking and wildlife-spotting too, with 6,500 acres and 10 different walking routes to explore. And if you’re visiting in the summer months, the landscape will be awash with breathtaking purple thanks to Ashdown Forest’s large areas of rare heathland – it’s a truly magical sight to behold. 

Grizedale Forest, Lake District

In the heart of the Lake District World Heritage Site between Windermere and Coniston Water, Grizedale Forest is a gorgeous spot for a woodland adventure. The forest’s eight waymarked walking trails are lined with vibrant green ferns and towering trees, with picturesque streams and epic viewpoints along the way. There’s a world-class sculpture trail here too, with over 50 artworks scattered amongst the trees. Whichever trail you traverse, keep your eyes peeled for fallow deer, as England’s only indigenous woodland herd reside here. And if you long for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, you can explore the forest from the ropes high up in the treetops at Go Ape. 

St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall

While a lot smaller than many of the other woodlands we’ve included in this guide, St Nectan’s Glen near Tintagel in Cornwall is a particularly enchanting spot that’s well worth exploring. In this National Landscape (previously known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you can wander the woodland path past ivy-clad trees to St Nectan’s Kieve, a mesmerising 60-foot waterfall gushing down fern-covered rocks. The waters here are said to hold sacred healing powers and have been attracting pilgrims and nature lovers for generations. You can immerse yourself in the plunge pool, should you wish to feel the invigorating experience yourself. Amongst the trees, you’ll find numerous ribbons, inscriptions, shrines, and crystal offerings too, only adding to St Nectan’s Glen’s ethereal beauty and spiritual atmosphere. 

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, Dorset

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest near Bournemouth and Ringwood in Dorset is a popular destination for families seeking an action-packed outdoor adventure. As well as multiple woodland paths to walk, run or cycle (including an elevated tree-top pathway), there are children’s trails with wooden climbing frames and other play equipment along the journey, as well as a Gruffalo Trail, Go Ape, mini golf, forest segways, a steam railway and a varied programme of events. For wildlife lovers, there are birdwatching spots and peaceful lakes to explore. And if you’re looking for something a little more peaceful during your visit, there’s also a calming, beautifully put-together Mindfulness Audio Trail to enjoy. 

Epping Forest, Essex

On the border of London and Essex lies Epping Forest, a 6,000-acre stretch of lush woodland perched on the edge of the city. Despite its proximity to these vast urban areas, Epping Forest offers a beautiful, peaceful expanse of trees and lakes to escape to with well-signposted walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes. The undulating Oak Trail is a great choice for those wanting a longer, more challenging ramble. It’ll take you along the more secluded part of the forest, through grand ancient oak trees, around Iron Age earthworks, and past a deer sanctuary, where over 100 fallow deer graze. 

Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor

Another magical woodland in Dartmoor is Wistman’s Wood, an extraordinary area of tangled, ancient dwarf trees with gnarled branches covered in lichen and mosses – like something straight out of a storybook. The woodland is thought to be over 6,000 years old and like many places in Dartmoor, it is steeped in myth and legend (the name Wistman comes from ‘wise man’, referring to the druids who are said to have planted the trees). Whilst there are nearby walking routes that’ll give you a wonderful view, be sure to stick to the waymarked paths around the woodland itself, because this extremely rare and delicate habitat is under pressure from erosion.

Duncliffe Woods, Dorset

Duncliffe Woods is one of the oldest woodlands in Dorset and, as the highest point in Blackmoor Vale, can be seen from miles around. This ancient landscape is mentioned in the Doomsday book and is thought to have inspired Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Woodlanders’. Nowadays, it’s a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and you can wander its array of beautiful walking routes. In summer, you can spot over 20 species of butterflies and a great variety of birds on the Butterfly Route; in spring, the Bluebell Route offers an idyllic trail through a dense carpet of dazzling bluebells; and in the autumn, the Oak Leaf Route will take you on a longer trail through the woodlands as the leaves turn shades of gold. 

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Kielder Forest in the heart of Northumberland is the largest man-made woodland in England, covering an impressive 650 square kilometres. There are 26 miles of scenic pathways to discover, including a glorious lakeside walk, as well as a huge network of exhilarating mountain bike trails – you can hire from the Kielder Cycle Centre if you don’t have your own! There are often exciting events happening at Kielder too, from live music in the forest featuring well-known headline acts to art exhibitions, sculpture trails, and seasonal children’s trails and activities. The forest is home to the country’s most important red squirrel reserve too, so keep an eye out for the rare creatures during your visit. And for an extra special experience, visit on a clear night and marvel at the starry skies above – Kielder has been awarded the Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status, making it an absolutely breathtaking spot for stargazing.

Brighstone Forest, Isle of Wight

Set in a National Landscape with its very own microclimate, Brighstone Forest is the largest woodland on the Isle of Wight and a stunning location for a tranquil walk or cycle. Its network of pathways traverse rolling chalk hills and ridges, meander through pretty villages and charming hamlets, and provide spectacular panoramic views of the Island and surrounding area. On this figure-of-eight route, you’ll encounter historic points of interest like an 18th-century watermill, and opportunities to spot beautiful wildlife, such as the magnificent peregrine falcon and the rare Glanville Fritillary butterfly. 

Argyll Forest Park, Scotland

From the Holy Loch to the mist shrouded-summits of the Arrochar Alps, Argyll Forest Park in Scotland extends for mile after magical mile. Covering more than 52,000 acres, this raw expanse of wilderness is one of the most untouched landscapes in the UK and a dream for adventurers. With such a vast area to explore within the park, it’s hard to know where to start. That said, there are certain destinations that are particularly loved for their waymarked trails through verdant forests. Head to Glenbranter for gentle strolls past ancient oaks, or seek out Benmore to walk with the giants and follow pathways beneath Californian redwoods, Douglas firs and Western hemlocks. In Puck’s Glen, explore under tangled canopies in one of Scotland’s most magical gorges. Or, make way to Kilmun Arboretum to discover over 150 species of trees and enjoy sun-dappled walks along landscaped trails. 

Explore our gorgeous collection of forest hideaways for a truly magical escape amongst the trees.