Folkes Lane Woodland

Visitor information

Visit Folkes Lane Woodland – it’s well worth it for the stunning views alone!

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.

Its hillsides provide some fairly strenuous exercise opportunities whilst a small wet area for amphibians and a hilltop picnic spot provide the perfect stopping points to get your breath back.

Over 90,000 native trees are steadily growing on site, providing a welcome screen to the neighbouring M25 motorway.

At a glance

  • Panoramic views across London
  • Walking trails 
  • Cycling 
  • Picnic area
  • Dogs welcome 

Things to do

Cycling at Folkes Lane Woodland

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Folkes Lane Woodland and soak up the beautiful scenery. There’s an excellent network of paths providing you with a range of route options around the site.

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Picnics at Folkes Lane Woodland

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

There are two picnic benches, one next to the car park and one along the walking paths. 

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Walking at Folkes Lane Woodland

Folkes Lane Woodland has an excellent network of paths, providing you with a range of route options around the site. There are regular benches alongside the paths providing opportunities to rest and take in the stunning scenery. 

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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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Large broadleaf tree in a field of long grass on cloudy day

Harold Court Woods

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.

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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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