Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

Read our visitor information regarding coronavirus

Open every day. 

Winter opening hours are 8am until 5pm.

Spring/Summer opening hours are 8am until 10pm.

In 2022 we will revert to Spring/Summer when the clocks go forward, and revert back to Winter when the clocks go back during October half term.

How to find us

How to find us
Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells
Sat Nav Postcode: TN3 9NJ
OS Grid Ref
TQ 534 360

51.104128578085, 0.19004571280811

Parking and prices

Parking charges apply at Birchden Wood.

You can now use RingGo* at Birchden Wood which allows you to pay for parking online or via an app. Please download the Ringo App before travelling if you can.

 

Pay for parking on your phone in 5 easy steps:

1. Open the RingGo app, or download for free if you haven’t already got it, using the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

2. Log in with your RingGo details, or register as a new user.

3. Select your location by entering the code: 31073.

4. Enter your number plate and choose how long you’d like to park for. Remember, you can extend this later.

5. Choose to add any handy parking reminders you need, then just tap to pay.

And you’re good to go! Your details are saved so next time, you can park even faster.

 

If you’re not a smartphone user, you can still use RingGo to pay for your parking by calling 0203 046 0063. You can also register and book parking with RingGo online.

*There is a small convenience charge for using this service.  See RingGo online for full terms and conditions and VAT receipts.

 

 

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how
Up to 1 hour £1.00
Up to 4 hours £3.50
Up to 12 hours £5.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses

  • 1 hour: £2 
  • Up to 4 hours: £8
  • Up to 12 hours: £10

Coaches

  • 1 hour: £3 
  • Up to 4 hours: £10
  • Up to 12 hours: £12

No overnight stay

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member - Find out more about our membership offer
Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Card payments accepted

Facilities and access

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Assistant dogs welcome
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Picnic area
Toilets

Contact details

Landline Number
0300 067 4465

Discover this mixed native broadleaf woodland with peaceful walks

Come and explore Birchden Wood, south of Royal Tunbridge Wells, it's a perfect day out for families, walkers and climbers. Harrison's Rocks, a sandstone crag owned by the BMC, are right next door and Birchden makes the perfect spot to escape out of the city and into the woods. 

At a glance

Please do not bring barbecues onto this site
11/05/2022 11:49
Dogs and assistance dogs are welcome
11/05/2022 11:50
Horse riding is not permitted at Birchden Wood
11/05/2022 11:50

Things to do

This 1.5km easy access trail guides you through the stunning beech woodland of Birchden. There are stops along the way to view sculptures that have been installed, giving you the opportunity to learn about the local history of the area. 

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at our beautiful picnic area, just bring along good food and company!

At Birchden we have one fixed barbecue which is free to use and perfect for a family day out. There is no booking system, so if it's not being used it's yours to make the most of!

In order to protect this special landscape from the risk of fire please follow our guidance

You are welcome to use our barbecues, but to prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any other barbecues into this forest Never leave the barbecue unattended Ensure you have plenty of water available and barbecues are fully extinguished after use Make sure that all rubbish is taken away with you The collection of wood from the forest is not permitted, please do not use it to add fuel to your barbecue Open fires are not allowed 

Nearby forests

Early morning mist rising up above the lake in autumn

Bedgebury is an award winning visitor attraction with something for everyone. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.

Thin trail running through conifer woodland

With around five miles of hard surface road and great networks of unsurfaced tracks, Hemsted Forest makes for a great day out, whatever the season!

The forest houses a mixture of conifer and broadleaf woodland and is rich in different bird species.

 

Forest floor covered in bluebells at Abbot's Wood

Located near Polegate, Abbot's Wood is a great place for a stroll at any time of year, with walking trails, a medieval lake, play area, barbecues and picnic tables.

Children running woodland path, Whinlatter

Part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located east of Horsham, St Leonard's Forest isn't short of fascinating history. 

Legend has it that a French hermit once lived here in the sixth century. He famously fought and killed a dragon in the forest and it is from him, St Leonard, that the forest takes its name! 

Visit the forest to immerse yourself in the cultural history, discover rich wildlife and take a peaceful woodland walk. 

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England