Harold Court Woods

Visitor information

Relax with some easy walking at this friendly community green space

Conveniently situated within Greater London, stroll around the surfaced paths and make the most of the cycle paths and bridleways. Stretches of the woodland rise to 150 foot where a sculpted wooden seat offers you a unique view west, across London. Keep walking along this trail through Ivy Lodge Lane and you can safely cross over to Pages Wood, for more walking and cycling opportunities.

Over 40,000 trees have been planted, adding to the surrounding belts of mature trees and the unusual ‘Apostle’s Circle’. These were traditionally planted to represent Christ and his Apostles and here eleven horse chestnuts ring a central tree.

The meadow areas and the pond all provide a perfect haven for people and wildlife alike. 

At a glance

  • Walking
  • Cycling 
  • Horse riding 
  • Dogs welcome

Things to do

Cycling at Harold Court Woods

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Harold Court Woods and soak up the beautiful scenery.

Harold Court Woods offers 2.6km of cycling paths for you to explore! 

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Horse riding at Harold Court Woods

Harold Court Woods offers 1.3km of horse riding trails that runs throughout the forest with some grassed areas too. We kindly ask that riders follow the marked horse trail.

No permit is needed to ride at Harold Court Woods.

For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

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Walking at Harold Court Woods

There are 3.3km of open paths for you to explore at Harold Court Woods! 

If you fancy an even longer walk, you can safely cross over to Pages Wood. 

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Nearby forests

Orange sunset over distant London skyscrapers with dark trees in the foreground

Tylers Wood

From the top of Tylers grassland hilltop you can see right across Docklands to the City of London, with its distinctive ‘Gherkin’ and on into the West End. It's a real one-of-a-kind view! A lovely outdoor spot away from the city. 

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Pages Wood field of flowers

Pages Wood

Pages Wood is the largest site in Thames Chase and home to 100,000 trees. This valley of green space offers excellent views as well as a rich mosaic of habitats for wildlife.

It's a great place for children to cycle safely, and also provides a variety of walking opportunities.

 

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Meadow of white wild flowers with blue sky

Folkes Lane Woodland

Venture off the beaten track at one of London's hidden gems, tucked between the A127 and M25. Folkes Lane Woodland is based on what were previously arable fields grouped around a steep hill. From its top are vistas south over the River Thames to the North Downs and west across London’s Docklands and Canary Wharf. On a good day you can see as far as the O2 at Greenwich and the London Eye. Folkes Lane Woodland is the perfect place to escape and enjoy the quiet of the woods.

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A walker walking through the forest in the autumn. The walker is looking up at the trees around them.

Thames Chase Forest Centre

Thames Chase Forest Centre offers lots of features and bags of room for an exciting family day out.

The Thames Chase Trust runs the Thames Chase Forest Centre visitor centre, providing the perfect venue for a quick snack or wholesome lunch, as well as the opportunity to purchase local crafts and gifts. Among the Thames Chase Forest Centre buildings, you can still see the original 17th century Essex Barn, stables and farm house.

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