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Leigh Woods
A wilderness of tranquility set against Brunel's famous suspension bridge
near Bristol, Bristol
Important notice
Leigh Woods is open for visitors to access for walks. Camping and lighting fires is not permitted. There is no National Trust parking at Leigh Woods but Forestry England have a pay and display car park at their entrance to Leigh Woods.
Opening times for 1 May 2024
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Dogs are welcome on leads. Please clean up after your dog; a dog bin is provided at the North Road entrance
Extensive network of surfaced and unsurfaced paths throughout the woodland, most of which are moderately level. The access paths to the River Avon Trail are steep in places and muddy in wet weather. Dogs on leads welcome.
By road
From the M5 take J19, then follow the A369 towards Bristol. After Abbots Leigh the woods will be signposted on the left
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. Please see below for information on travelling from Bristol Temple Meads to Leigh Woods by bus and/or bike.
By bus
First X4, Bristol-Portishead, departs daily from Bristol Bus Station, or by the harbourside on Anchor Road. Alight at North Road, from which it is a short level walk via North Road to Leigh Woods. From Bristol Temple Meads train station, walk 18 minutes to catch the X4 from The Centre, or catch the 73/74 to the centre, or the 8 to Bond Street, to change for the X4.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 41, Bristol-Pill, runs to North Road, close to Leigh Woods
Highlights
Woods
National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), on the outskirts of Bristol.
Things to see and do
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Things for families to do at Leigh Woods
From bug-hunting to puddle jumping, and even a wild adventure trail, there’s lots for families to see and do at this National Nature Reserve within a stone’s throw of Bristol.
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Wildlife at Leigh Woods
Discover the rare and threatened wildlife and flora that thrives in this designated National Nature Reserve, including song thrushes and a whitebeam found nowhere else.
Outdoor activities
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Outdoor activities at Leigh Woods
Explore the outdoors at this wildlife-rich woodland playground which boasts running, walking and mountain biking trails, and its own orienteering course.
Top trails
Trail
Leigh Woods veteran tree walk
A gentle mile-long stroll through some of the wonderful veteran trees at Leigh Woods.
Trail
Leigh Woods woodland wander
A circular one-mile walk around Leigh Woods, taking in veteran trees, dramatic views from the edge of the Avon Gorge and Stokeleigh Camp hillfort.
Places to stay
Summerhouse Cottage
On the Tyntesfield estate, this former hunting lodge has an octagonal summerhouse and farmland views.
Chaplain's House
On the edge of the Tyntesfield estate, this Gothic Revival style house makes a striking holiday escape.
Chaplain's Lodge
This Victorian gate lodge has been elegantly restored and has a huge private garden.
About Leigh Woods
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.
History
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The history of Leigh Woods
From lovelorn giants to land disputes, celestine quarrying to stone hillforts – discover the fascinating history of Leigh Woods, now managed by the National Trust.
Our work
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Our vital work at Leigh Woods
From looking after veteran trees, through cattle grazing programmes, to combatting ash dieback, learn how Leigh Woods is being cared for by the National Trust.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Leigh Woods.