Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges
One of the National Trust’s oldest acquisitions, the Ridges and Wood are a paradise for wildlife.
Wellingtonia Avenue, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG45 6AE
Opening times for 2 May 2024
Asset Opening time Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges Open all day MTWTFSS29301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112OpenPartially openClosedCar park
Free car park at Simon's Wood. Grid Ref: SU813635
Dogs
Please keep dogs under close control to protect wildlife
Parking. Some uneven paths. Paths can become muddy. No toilets.
Steps/uneven terrain
Paths are often sloped and uneven and vary in width
By road
Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges is on the B3348 between Crowthorne and Finchampstead. Take the A321 (Lower Wokingham Road) and turn West into the B3348, Wellingtonia Avenue. The car park to Simon's Wood is on the right.
Parking: Parking for approximately 50 cars.
On foot
From Crowthorne Station, exit via the Reading-bound platform, and head west onto Duke's Ride. Continue over the roundabout onto Wellingtonia Avenue. Simon's Wood car park is about half a mile on your right.
By train
If you’re travelling by train, the closest station is Crowthorne (Great Western Railway). From the Reading-bound platform, head west onto Duke's Ride. Continue over the roundabout onto Wellingtonia Avenue. Simon's Wood car park is about half a mile on your right.
Wellingtonia Avenue, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG45 6AE
Planning your visit
Highlights
Simon's Wood
An area of woodlands boasting an impressive avenue of redwood sequoia trees.
Finchampstead Ridges
A spring-fed escarpment which leads to wet woodland. A tranquil common with far reaching views over Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.
Wildlife paradise
Heathland habit and ponds vital for many species including butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
Things to see and do
Things to see and do at Simon's Wood and Finchamptead Ridges
Simon’s Wood and Finchampstead Ridges, nestled in Southern Berkshire, are a cluster of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Simon's Wood trail
Explore Simon's Wood wet woodland and lowland heath habitats, providing an increasingly rare habitat for many birds and invertebrates. An easy level walk great for little legs.
Finchampstead Ridges ramble
Follow this short waymarked trail for spectacular views over Surrey and Hampshire, wooded sections, ponds and a chance to spot wildlife including birds of prey, deer and dragonflies.
About Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges
Finchampstead Ridges was previously owned by the Walter family, then owners of The Times newspaper. In 1913, following financial difficulties, the estate was broken up; Finchampstead Ridges was purchased thanks to a group of local people who raised the money by local subscription and gifted it to the National Trust.
The lands making up Simon's Wood (previously known as the Heath Pool) were acquired by Thomas Coghlan Horsfall, a Manchester philanthropist after he retired to Wokingham in the 1920s. They were gifted to the National Trust by Mr C G H Simon and Mr R Brooks and were renamed at the suggestion of Mrs Joan Rudkin, a very active National Trust supporter who played a leading role in establishing a local supporters group.
Our work
Our work at Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges
The work the ranger and volunteer work do to look after Simon's Wood and Finchampstead Ridges