Oxleas Woods — Attraction in London

Oxleas Wood is a fairly substantial nature reserve in South-East London. The woodland is split into eastern and western sections, separated by a large meadow with a lovely café at the top of the hill.

On the east side, you'll find Severndroog Castle, a historic folly that’s open to visitors and offers excellent views across London from the top. There’s also a tea room inside Severndroog for a quieter break.

The west side is ideal for a leisurely stroll, though aside from the Capital Ring route, the paths aren’t particularly well marked. The trails vary between wide and narrow, which is something to keep in mind if you're wearing shorts and discover just how unfriendly brambles can be.

On dry days, the wider paths should be manageable for a rugged wheelchair. There are no barriers along the trails, apart from the parking area, where there is one designated disabled bay.

The park is dog friendly, and most of the dogs I’ve encountered have been off-lead, friendly and well behaved. That said, it’s something to be aware of if your dog doesn’t get along well with others, or if you’re not entirely comfortable around dogs.

You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through at a relaxed pace, taking in the scenery and enjoying the variety the woods...

Please read my review for Oxleas Meadows. Most of everything lve highlighted there applies here too. There are helpful signs throughout the main walking trails that will guide you through different areas. The northern and westerly paths are easily navigable in ordinary shoes in most weather except after heavy rain. The southern parts approaching Falcon Wood rail station are a little rougher so not as many well trodden paths. Most people cross the big open space below the cafe to walk back to the station.

Features to look out for are the secret garden, the Severndroog Castle, (observation deck only open on Sundays.) and the Mini farm with duck and quail eggs for sale. Plenty of resting places on fallen logs and black benches dotted about everywhere. Not as vast as expected but a very pleasant place to while away 3 hrs on Sunday afternoon with a picnic. Watch out for hidden deposits...

First visited the woods some yrs ago with my 2 daughters and grandkids it was a lovely sunny day we got lost in the middle somewhere seemed bit spooky... To many horror movies I guess lol....we had to asked directions back to cafe where we'd parked it's was a great feeling walking in the woods....I return yesterday with a friend who was thrilled with the views and the whole experience..weather not as nice thunder rolling and rain seemed to add to the enchantment so peaceful when you join a path into the woods it's like you leave the rest of the world behind and it's hard to believe yr in South London will return soon hopefully on a sunny day amazing views friendly fellow walkers great...The Cafe is nice to for a cupa after yr walk love it also lots of well maintained grass areas for picnic ect: just remember to take your rubbish away with...