Chawton Park Woods

Visitor information

Opening hours

Chawton Park Woods is open 365 days a year, dawn until dusk.

How to find us

55 Boyneswood Rd, Medstead, Alton

Sat Nav Postcode: GU34 5ED

OS Grid Ref

SU67203613

Get directions

51.120091498428, -1.0405683517456

Parking and prices

There are no parking charges at Chawton Park Woods.

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

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

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4600

E-Mail Address

southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk

Chawton Park Woods

Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen at Chawton Park Woods...

The Chawton Park Woods sit just beyond the village of Chawton and within the South Downs National Park. Containing some mighty beach trees, ravishing Norway maples and more recently planted Whitebeam trees, the woods boast a beautiful setting for a peaceful walk along accessible paths.

These picturesque woods are also the home to a hidden literary secret, for these were the woods in which Jane Austen took her regular strolls.

Edward Austen Knight, brother of the famous novelist, provided a house in Chawton for his mother and sisters, and it was here that Jane spent her most productive literary years. It was from this red brick house that the tales which would so dazzle the world emerged, and from the local surroundings that Austen would draw much of her inspiration and ideas, including the Chawton Park Woods.

At a glance

Walking trails
Small car park

Things to do

Walking at Chawton Park Woods

Walking in the woods is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore the area's most beautiful landscapes.

Chawton Park Woods offers informal walking opportunities starting from the car park. You can stick to the compact gravel track or follow the other trails that lead off this path if you want to venture deeper into the woodlands.

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Nearby forests

Micheldever Wood

Predominantly a beech wood with some conifer interspersed, Micheldever Wood is home to a diverse range of birds and insects. The stunning Muntjac deer are to be found in the woods as well as wildflowers and a growing butterfly population.

With a number of paths making their way through the wood, make sure you don’t miss the spectacular display of Bluebells in the spring.

Find out more

Forest Road running through broadleaf woodland

Blackwood Forest

Come and explore the variety of paths at Blackwood Forest and discover the stunning natural scenery.

Located near Winchester, Blackwood Forest is home to a beautiful Forest Holiday location, making it ideal if you need to relax, recoup or get lost in the wonders of the woods.

Find out more

Alice Holt Forest

Alice Holt has something for everyone! Whether you are looking for an exciting treetop adventure, a bike ride or a tranquil walk through the forest discovering our wildlife, we know you will love your visit. We have lots of different trails and exciting play areas for you to discover, as well as our popular Gruffalo sculptures.

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Rogate Woods

The area on Combe Hill has a dedicated bike park, which is open to mountain bikers, please visit this website for more information and to book in advance.

The woodland offers a network of open paths and countryside views that local people can explore on foot.

Find out more

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