Leigh Woods

Important notice -

If you chose to take your daily exercise at Leigh Woods, please maintain social distancing. Camping and lighting fires is not permitted. There is no parking at Leigh Woods, please do not park on the private access roads

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

More about this place

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

A family walking through Leigh Woods

Visiting Leigh Woods 

Leigh Woods, on the outskirts Bristol, is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here's everything you need to know about visiting.

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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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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