Leigh Woods

Important notice -

Leigh Woods is open for local visitors to access for walks. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe. Camping and lighting fires is not permitted. There is no parking at Leigh Woods.

A wilderness of tranquility set against Brunel's famous suspension bridge

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open to visit. Many houses in England and Wales have reopened, with houses in Northern Ireland expected to reopen from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays.

A family walking through Leigh Woods

Visiting Leigh Woods 

Leigh Woods, is a National Nature Reserve and SSSI, on the outskirts Bristol. Find out how to visit in a way that helps wildlife and plants thrive.

Boy crawling through the coppice crossing at Leigh Woods

A family day out at Leigh Woods 

Learn about the importance of nature while exploring Leigh Woods - there's plenty for families to enjoy.

Bristol whitebeam with the Clifton suspension bridge behind

Fascinating walking trails 

With spectacular views across Bristol and the surrounding landscape, ancient and veteran trees, and an abundance of wildlife, Leigh Woods is the perfect place to stretch your legs.

Mountain biking, Leigh Woods

Mountain biking in Leigh Woods 

Our purpose built mountain biking trail weaves its way through the protected broadleaf woodland of Leigh Woods. Help us protect nature by sticking to the set routes.

A group of runners running in Leigh Woods

Running at Leigh Woods  

If you're looking for a faster paced visit, Leigh Woods is a great place to go for a run..

Upcoming events

Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place.

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Leigh Woods

History

Ramparts of Iron Age Hill Fort

The history of Leigh Woods 

Leigh Woods' history spans centuries. Find out about the iron age hillfort, industrial past and the two very different sides of the woodland.

Amazing stratigraphy in the Avon Gorge

The geology of the Avon Gorge 

The Gorge cuts through a ridge mainly of limestone, with some sandstone. The fossil shells and corals indicate that the limestone formed in shallow tropical seas in the Carboniferous, an estimated 350 million years ago.

The Avon Gorge showing the Clifton suspension bridge and balloons

The Avon Gorge in Medieval mythology 

Did you know there were once giants in the Avon Gorge? Discover the story of Vincent and Goram.

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Leigh Woods

Wildlife

Wilmotts whitebeam in Leigh Woods

Wildlife in Leigh Woods 

As a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Leigh Woods is a great place to spot rare and unusual wildlife, including trees which you can only see here.

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Leigh Woods

Our work

A veteran Lime coppard in Leigh Woods

The veteran trees of Leigh Woods 

Learn more about veteran trees and why they are important.

Tree felling as a result of ash dieback

Ash dieback at Leigh Woods 

Despite our efforts to control ash dieback, we have lost some trees to it in the woods over recent years. Find out more about the disease.

Cattle grazing in Leigh Woods

Wood pasture restoration in Leigh Woods 

North Devon cattle are helping us manage vegetation in the woods. Learn more about what they do.

A sunrise at Leigh Woods

Dedicate a donation to Leigh Woods  

Leigh Woods is a SSI and National Nature Reserve. A donation will help us continue to protect the woodland, flora and fauna for years to come.

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Leigh Woods

Learning

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