Dulwich Woods — Attraction in London

The last of the Great Ancient North Wood in London, (yes, in South East London, go figure) which conjures up visions of running into Shelob, maybe even Gandalf or Bilbo Baggins...

It really is quite special, to be but a few miles from the great hubbub that is central London but be able to see nothing except trees, sky, trees... Great for finding your inner child and making dens, or perhaps even taking your actual child... If you don't have one (or a few) of those it's also good for walking the dog, and if you don't have one of those, use the undulating forest paths for some marathon des sables training perhaps. And well... If you're not into that, just perambulate through the trees and let your mind wonder where it will.

As a forest, it's pretty good. It has trees, undergrowth, sparse spots, dense spots, wild areas, gentle leafy areas and a good bunch of well maintained paths from which to admire it all... The trees themselves are a good selection (some 200 different species of trees and wildflowers), all of them (trees, not wildflowers) generally consisting of trunks, bark, branches, twigs and leaves... Some evergreen, mostly deciduous.

Also all three UK woodpecker species breed in the woods, along with nuthatch, treecreeper, tawny owl and sparrowhawk, so if you're a twitcher, well, that's all good.

Finally... Most importantly... There are a good selection of pubs around the woods where one can quench ones thirst and sate ones appetite. A favourite is the Woodhouse...

Absolutely amazing Woods full of mature trees and fantastic walkin trails it is quite deceiving the maps shows that its small but you can lose a good few hours inside with nature. There are several entrances the one I use has street parking and I could not find any information about having to pay. There is a old bridge that used to serve the below steam railway (although no longer there) unfortunately this is closed due to saftey concerns and the alternative path is not suitable for young children or those that find they have mobility difficulties. There is no public toilets and no picnic benches but there are plenty of cut logs that you can use as a bench. Highly recommended if you love...

An ancient woodland remnant managed by a registered charity “The Dulwich Estate.” Trails and pathways over gently sloping terrain through dense woodland historically renowned for coppicing now diminished to a fragile remnant. A varied underbrush and flora layer with a high tree canopy that conjures a setting that’s both delightfully peaceful and spiritually nutritious. The accumulated effect of “nutrient enrichment” and sedimentation from trampling offset here by sound stewardship and professional intervention. Enchanting evocative...