Woolley Woods

Woolley Woods

A new outdoor space is opening on the Arlington Estate this Autumn. Just six miles from Barnstaple, Woolley Woods is an accessible and inclusive space designed for local communities and visitors to enjoy nature. Whether you're looking for a family adventure, a gentle stroll, a bike ride or simply time to relax in the outdoors.

Woolley Woods is free to enter. Parking charges apply, with free parking for National Trust members.

What can you expect?

Woolley Woods will feature:

• 1.2km surfaced trail suitable for cyclists, wheelchair users, walkers and pushchairs.
• A natural play area with balance beams, swings, accessible swings, monkey rings, climbing net, slides, wooden climbing tower and more.
• A cycle skills area with a pump track including berms, ramps, jumps and an introductory route for younger users.
• Links into the wider Arlington Estate with miles of existing routes for running, walking and cycling.
• Facilities including toilets, parking, a community space, picnic areas and a kiosk.

A place created for people and nature

Woolley Woods has been shaped over 18 months of consultation, including pilot activities, focus groups, surveys, and outreach with 25 community stakeholders and local people. The project responds to a need for welcoming outdoor spaces where people can connect with nature, improve wellbeing and enjoy time outside, whatever their age, experience or ability.

In line with the wider nature recovery ambition for the estate, this project will restore the land for wildlife, including species-rich grasslands, meadows and woodlands, re-activating Arlington's original historic entrance and 19th century Carraige Drive and breathe new life into the estate.