Best woods near 12 UK cities

Did you know millions of city-dwellers have woods on their doorstep? Here's our pick of some great woods within easy reach of the UK's busiest cities. And the best bit? They're all open and free for you to enjoy.

These oases of calm amidst a city's hustle and bustle offer a precious place to connect with nature, rest and recharge, find cool refuge from hot weather and so much more. Whether you're a wildlife watcher, sanctuary seeker, fitness fan or history hound, there's likely a wood nearby that will be just what you're looking for. 

1. London

As the most densely populated city in the UK, it might surprise you that 21% of London lies under the canopy of trees. The capital has 8.4 million trees and 13,000 hectares of woodland - that's bigger than all of Liverpool.

Explore 113-hectare Hainault Forest in East London, just north of Romford and with plenty of parking. Once a royal hunting forest, it's now home to a wealth of wildlife and plant species. Wander 7.2km (4.5 miles) of surfaced multi-use paths, including circular routes and our family-friendly monster trail. Look out for birds, bats and butterflies as you meander through stately oaks and hornbeams. If you've enough time, visit Hainault Forest Country Park next door where there's a fishing lake, petting zoo and café.

Further south, discover Joyden's Wood just 21km (13 miles) from London's centre. Tucked away behind the houses, it's a wonderful surprise to suddenly find yourself in this tranquil ancient woodland. Marvel at the remarkable flora, abundant wildlife and an intriguing history stretching back to Roman times.

2. Manchester

Millions of lucky people live within 30 minutes of the spectacular Smithills Estate in the north west of Greater Manchester. 

Plenty of car parking and a bus stop on site give easy access to 686 hectares of open countryside, streams and woodland. This is our largest site in England, an important part of the Northern Forest and a treasure trove for wildlife and people. The enormous, rugged landscape offers far-reaching views to Bolton and Manchester and the varied habitat is valuable for species like chicken of the woods, cuckoo and common lizard.

Take a short walk on the 30-minute Barrow Bridge trail for a quick but scenic nature fix, or contemplate the site's rich history on a longer 9km (6-mile) walk. For guided walking routes, wildlife guides, accessibility information and more, get the Smithills app for Android or Apple.

Enjoy a virtual visit to Smithills with our Woodland Walks podcast.

3. Birmingham

Did you know Birmingham is a Tree City of the World? It’s been awarded the prestigious title every year since 2020 for its commitment to planting and conserving trees and building a healthy city now and for the future.

On the fringes of the city, Pepper Wood is an oasis brimming with wildlife. Spot myriad birds and butterflies along the wood’s paths and tracks, which include a mostly flat, surfaced bridleway that’s pram and wheelchair-friendly.

This important green space is a sanctuary for plants as well as people: sunny open spaces and dappled shade have encouraged over 100 species of woodland plants and flowers to thrive, including some rare finds. Look for large and small-leaved lime which are rarely found together, the scarce and unusual wild service tree, and alder buckthorn which is unusual in this area.

4. Sheffield

Sheffield is proud to be one of the UK’s greenest cities, boasting millions of trees and hundreds of green spaces. Another Tree City of the World and the gateway to the Peak District National Park, getting your daily dose of nature couldn't be easier.

Nestled together south of the city, Nor Wood, Cook Spring & Owler Car feels so tranquil, you’d never guess you’re so close to bustling Sheffield. Explore several kilometres of paths to spot signs of the industry that once thrived in this ancient wood, including hearths, platforms, pits, former drainage networks and an ancient woodbank. Nowadays, it’s much more serene, full of wildlife like fox, badger, woodpecker and rare turtle dove, and a gently trickling stream crossed by picturesque wooden bridges.

On the opposite side of the city, check out ancient Bitholmes Wood for riverbanks, rocky crags and valley views among the trees, or Bagger Wood, a small ancient woodland that’s popular with locals for its circular walk and picturesque stream.

Alternatively, Burrs Wood on the edge of the Peak District is around 20 minutes from Sheffield, Chesterfield and Bakewell and well worth the drive. Wander the winding path through this peaceful, unspoilt ancient wood that cloaks the valley sides of a fast-flowing stream, with wonderful mature trees and scenic views.

5. Liverpool

Liverpool has many green spaces to choose from, including several urban woods within quick and easy reach.

Just across the river in Higher Bebington, check out diverse plant life including bluebells, broad buckler fern and wood sage among mature trees at Storeton Woods. Dinosaur footprints were also discovered here in 1838 and you can still see remnants of a 19th century tramway used for moving quarry stone. 

Time to explore further afield? Frodsham Woods was once a golf course where celebrities teed off, but it’s now a vibrant green haven for wildlife and people. We’ve planted over 30,000 trees on this site that connects with three ancient woods, less than half an hour’s drive from the edge of the city and from Chester. Combined, they cover a staggering 92 hectares (229 acres) where you can find old quarries, caves and the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, as well as a rich variety of wildlife including badger, buzzard and rare butterflies.

6. Newcastle

A Tree City of the World since 2024, Newcastle isn’t short of green spaces.

Close to the city, check out ancient Lands Wood, Winlaton Mill, with its colourful bluebells, dog violet and other plants, or the rides, glades and wildflower meadows of Lottie's Wood, Sunniside.

For a real jewel in the North East's crown, drive 20 minutes south to Hedley Hall. A paradise for birdwatchers, listen for woodpecker, cuckoo and willow warbler and catch a glimpse of swallow, redstart and yellowhammer. Look out for amphibians in the babbling brook and small ponds too, admiring sculptures along the way.

Alternatively, pay a visit to South Park, Prudhoe – 20km (12 miles) west of the city centre. Once a pleasure park for the stately Prudhoe Hall, it’s now a thriving green space with woodland, winding watercourses, meadows and hedgerows. Follow the main 3.5km (2 mile) loop to explore the site’s best bits, including beautiful views over the meadows.

7. York

North Yorkshire is known for stunning landscapes, but you can get your nature fix without even leaving the city.

Don’t miss hidden gem Knavesmire Wood for a woodland walk in York, nestled between the racecourse and a large residential area. It’s one of just a few accessible woods close to the city and was likely planted as the wooded gardens of a stately 19th century house. Several of the mature trees may be those originally planted in the mansion’s gardens and a long Victorian lime avenue now shelters an attractive walk over hard surfaced footpaths through the centre of the wood.

This is a popular spot for residents and tourists, well connected by footpaths and cycle paths to the nearby city centre. Enjoy wildflower displays in spring and keep your eyes peeled for foxes, bats, birds and butterflies.

Just beyond York ring road, Westfield Wood was created to commemorate the millennium and designed with visitors in mind. Explore the short circular route and other paths to see the younger trees surrounding old hedgerows, mature trees and a small pond, with Westfield Beck running along the wood’s eastern boundary.

8. Plymouth

Finding woodland walks near Plymouth is easy when over 40% of the city is designated as green space.

Leigham Wood, Greenacres and Hollycroft Wood are small pockets of woodland in and around Plymouth known as Parkway Woods for their proximity to the A38 road. Each offers a haven for local wildlife and the perfect antidote to bustling city life.

On a prominent hilltop between Plymstock and Plympton, Hardwick Wood was once part of the Georgian Saltram Estate and is still designated as part of the historic park and garden. Enjoy excellent views towards Dartmoor and the historic Boringdon Arch in the distance.

Slightly further north, Whitleigh Wood is surprisingly rich in wildlife for an urban wood. Marvel at the changing colours of the seasons, from spring wildflowers to the blazing hues of autumn, and spot wildlife like roe deer, foxes and buzzards. As an ancient woodland on the coast, it’s likely that timber from this wood was used to build ships that fought the Spanish Armada!

As urban woods with limited parking, these sites are all best reached on foot or by bus.

9. Glasgow

Need an escape from Scotland's biggest city? Glasgow is dotted with lots of small urban woods but for a real treat, head to Lang Craigs, 19km (12 miles) from Glasgow's centre.

Follow the A82 or M8 north west to find yourself at the foot of the spectacular Kilpatrick Hills in just 30 minutes. With free parking and four waymarked routes, including a 3.5km (2.2-mile) circular route and pushchair-friendly surfaced paths, you can take your time to wander among ancient woodland, picturesque glens, jagged outcrops and rugged moorland with great views.

Discover fascinating flora, an abundance of wildlife and stunning views of the Clyde, Dumbarton Rock and Ben Lomond. Spot sparrowhawk, black grouse, ruby tiger moth, fox and field vole. If you're lucky, you might even spy otters in the Overtoun or Garshake burns.

10. Edinburgh

The people of Edinburgh are spoilt for choice when it comes to green space for a little R & R. Natural areas make up almost 50% of the city, and it's frequently named as the greenest city in the UK. 

For a tree-focused treat, don't miss Beeslack Wood. This beautiful ancient woodland is a tranquil haven just 10 minutes beyond the bypass. Discover many special plants and animals as you explore over 3.5km (2 miles) of paths. Lucky visitors may spot a shy roe deer or hear great spotted woodpecker drumming in the tree tops. Otter and kingfisher are thought to use the Loan Burn that runs through the wood, as well as dipper, grey wagtail, heron and pipistrelle bat.

11. Cardiff

Wales' biggest city has over 400 green spaces. Only 9.6km (6 miles) from the city centre, Cwm George & Casehill Woods has something for everyone.

This vast site makes for a great day out, with free parking and plenty of routes through ancient woodland, younger trees and open meadows for a different nature walk every time you visit. Explore the early medieval hill fort and earthwork feature that are both scheduled ancient monuments - a multitude of archaeological relics have been found here. Look out too for butterflies, buzzards and other birds, and signs of the rare hazel dormouse. Be sure to visit in spring to enjoy beautiful wildflowers and in autumn for glorious displays of changing leaves.

12. Belfast

We look after more than 50 woods in Northern Ireland and most of them are inside an hour's drive from the capital. 

Reaching skywards, must-visit Glas-na-Bradan Wood sits on the highest point of the Belfast Hills, 14.5km (9 miles) from Belfast city centre. The stunning landscape will take your breath away - on clear days, you can see as far as Slemish to the north, Lough Neagh to the west and Strangford and the Mournes to the south.

Originally a farmed landscape, the upper slopes are mainly heathland, with species-rich grassland, native scrub and small streams covering the lower slopes. Look out for salmon in the Glas-na-Bradan stream – the name translates in Irish to ‘stream of the salmon’ – as well as Irish hare and a variety of birds and butterflies. We're aiming to plant over 150,000 trees here – check our events page for chance to muck in!

At a similar distance, Carnmoney Hill is steeped in history and folklore with a mix of ancient woodland, floral grassland and wetland. Choose from a range of routes for all abilities to soak up awe-inspiring views of Newtownabbey, Belfast Lough and the coast and spot dragonflies, fox and kingfisher.