Leigh Woods
A wilderness of tranquility set against Brunel's famous suspension bridge
Leigh Woods
Overview
A wilderness of tranquility set against Brunel's famous suspension bridge
Explore the beautiful and diverse broadleaf woodland on the plateau above the famous Avon Gorge, boasting superb views across the city to downland beyond. Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve has been an intrinsic part of Bristolian life for centuries.
Designated pathways will lead you through oak, small leaf lime and ash forest. Springtime brings an abundance of bluebells and wood anemones, whilst the summer months offer relaxing, shady walks. The red and golden hues of autumn, combined with an interesting array of fungi, are particularly beautiful.
Former woodland pasture offers a mixture of open grassy glades, surrounded by broadleaf woodland and many veteran oak pollards, where established footpaths lead to wonderful views of the suspension bridge and the city beyond.
An easy surface pathway follows the base of the gorge, where the true scale of it becomes apparent. Look up to the soaring suspension bridge above and the beautiful broadleaf woodland, interspersed with areas of flower-rich limestone grassland around old stone quarries. Rockrose, Bristol Rock-cress and Black Knapweed are all native to this area.
- Telephone
- 01179731645
- leighwoods@nationaltrust.org.uk
Leigh Woods
How to get here
- Address
- near Bristol, Bristol
- By cycle
- National Cycle Network Route 41, Bristol-Pill, runs to North Road, close to Leigh Woods
- On foot
- From the docks area of Bristol the River Avon Trail follows the river downstream, under the suspension bridge and up into Leigh Woods, via Nightingale Valley. Take the first tunnel past suspension bridge, route is then signposted
- By train
- Bristol Temple Meads train station 4 miles. From here take First 8/8A bus or, if arriving by bike, National Cycle Network Route 41
- By road
- From the M5 take J19, then follow the A369 towards Bristol. After Abbots Leigh the woods will be signposted on the left
- Parking: Available in the large Forestry Commission car park off the A369 (BS8 3QB)
- By bus
- First X2/X3, Bristol-Portishead, departs daily from Bristol Bus Station, or by the harbourside on Anchor Road. Alight at Beggar Bush Lane, from which it is a 10-minute level walk, via Valley Road. First 8/8A from Bristol Temple Meads train station. Alight at Clifton Village, then walk across the suspension bridge to Leigh Woods. Take First 9/9A to return to train station. City Sightseeing, Mar-Oct, daily. Departs from Broad Quay in the city centre, alight at Clifton Village
Leigh Woods
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Leigh Woods
Opening times
Sunday 24 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Monday 25 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 26 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 27 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Thursday 28 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Friday 29 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Saturday 30 June
- Leigh Woods Dawn to dusk
Leigh Woods
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01179731645
- leighwoods@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- near Bristol, Bristol