Some sunny riding recently
1 / 10

Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore ancient woodlands and enjoy lakeside strolls at Ruislip Woods, a serene nature reserve with diverse wildlife and walking paths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet walks

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Some sunny riding recently

Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient woodlands and enjoy lakeside strolls at Ruislip Woods, a serene nature reserve with diverse wildlife and walking paths.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A bless and peaceful place, definitely comes as the top place to visit for woodland walks."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear waterproof boots

Paths can get very muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for changing weather

London weather is unpredictable. Bring layers and rain gear, even on a sunny day. :umbrella:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Woodland Trails

Ancient Woodland Trails

Throughout the reserve

Explore miles of diverse walking and biking paths through mature oak, beech, and birch trees.

Ruislip Lido Beach

Ruislip Lido Beach

Adjacent to the woods

A surprising sandy beach offering a unique waterside stroll with views of the lake.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Various clearings and water features

Keep an eye out for ducks, birds, squirrels, and even deer in this thriving natural habitat.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Footwear for Ruislip Woods

Ruislip Woods can get muddy, especially after rain. Opt for sturdy, waterproof walking boots or wellington boots to navigate the trails comfortably. Trainers might suffice in dry weather, but boots offer better grip and protection.

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

While peaceful year-round, weekdays and early mornings offer the most serene experience. Weekends, especially sunny ones, can attract families and dog walkers, making it busier. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a truly tranquil escape.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and quiet walks
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Stunning fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Dry spells
Why
Avoid muddy paths
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

30 minute ride + Grooming & Feeding 📍Ruislip Park Stables #horseriding #trot #stables #london #ruislip #ruislipwoods
@claudiovalenzuela2701
12 likes • 1.5K views

Wear waterproof boots

Paths can get very muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for changing weather

London weather is unpredictable. Bring layers and rain gear, even on a sunny day. :umbrella:

Ruislip, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 woodlands walk. #ruislip #countryside #hike #hiking #weekendtrip
@sunnysdelightstv
5 likes • 705 views
We went to Ruislip Woods for our October mushroom focused ramble. Once you find one mushroom you’ll find many more nearby. Keep your 👀‘s peeled!!!! The woods are easy to get to via the underground from London. 🍄🍄 #rambling #foraging #grubbercommunity #hiking #ukwildlife #londonhikes
@grubbercommunity
85 likes • 2.5K views

Explore beyond the main paths

Venture off the beaten track for a more immersive woodland experience. :hiking_boot:

Visit Ruislip Lido

Combine your woodland walk with a visit to the nearby lido for a beachside stroll. :lake:

Did you know London had a secret beach! 🏝️ Tag someone to go with! ☀️ #Thatonecal #ruisliplido #Londonbeach #london
@thatonecal
19K likes • 427.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear waterproof boots

Paths can get very muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for changing weather

London weather is unpredictable. Bring layers and rain gear, even on a sunny day. :umbrella:

Explore beyond the main paths

Venture off the beaten track for a more immersive woodland experience. :hiking_boot:

Visit Ruislip Lido

Combine your woodland walk with a visit to the nearby lido for a beachside stroll. :lake:

Look for wildlife

The woods are home to various animals; keep an eye out for birds, squirrels, and deer. :deer:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ruislip Woods for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful ancient woodland. Many enjoy the combination with the nearby Ruislip Lido, appreciating the diverse recreational opportunities. While generally well-loved, some note that paths can become very muddy after rain, requiring appropriate footwear.

"They do have a train for all its charges, 5 pounds for a single side and return, 10 pounds.

It's beautiful to hike here! Without mountains and lakeside
😊"

Ankita Sendre

"A very good trail for family and kids.

The entire woods is a bless and peaceful place. I have been to many trails and this one definitely comes as the top place to visit."

Nagaraj Tantri

"I love it, it's right next to Ruislip Lido where you can go for a walk. You can also take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, if you don't want to walk too much. Also if you don't want to walk through the mud in the forest, there is a nice path. Perfect for any type of weather."

Elizabeth K. (EtaMa)

What People Like

Peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
Beautiful ancient woodland
Proximity to Ruislip Lido

What People Dislike

Muddy paths after rain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ruislip Woods is accessible by public transport and car. The nearest Tube stations are Ruislip and Ruislip Manor on the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines. Several bus routes also serve the area. Parking is available at Ruislip Lido car park, which is adjacent to the woods. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park located at Ruislip Lido, which is right next to the nature reserve. It can get busy on weekends and during peak times. Reddit

Yes, Ruislip Woods has a network of cycling trails. It's a popular spot for local cyclists looking for off-road routes. Reddit

While the Reddit user mentioned a lack of significant water features, Ruislip Woods is adjacent to Ruislip Lido, a large reservoir with a beach area. There are also smaller streams and ponds within the woods themselves. Reddit

Absolutely! You can enjoy shorter walks around Ruislip Lido or pick a section of the woodland paths for a brief stroll. The reserve is quite extensive, so you can tailor your walk to your time. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve is free to enter. There are no admission fees for walking or exploring the woodland trails. Reddit

The nature reserve is generally open from dawn till dusk. As it's a natural woodland area, there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

Entry to Ruislip Lido itself is free. Parking at the lido car park may incur charges, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome in Ruislip Woods, but they must be kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. Be prepared for muddy conditions if your dog enjoys exploring off-path. Reddit

There isn't a dedicated visitor center within Ruislip Woods itself. Information about the reserve and its wildlife is often available at local council websites or through signage within the park. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Ruislip Woods offers a variety of trails, including well-maintained paths suitable for most visitors and more rugged, natural paths that can become muddy. There are also dedicated cycling routes. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for families. The proximity to Ruislip Lido, with its beach and potential for picnics, makes it appealing. The woodland itself offers opportunities for exploration and nature spotting. Reddit

You can spot a variety of wildlife, including ducks and birds around the lido, squirrels, and if you're lucky, deer. The diverse habitats support a rich ecosystem. Reddit

Some of the main paths, particularly around Ruislip Lido, are paved and accessible. However, many woodland trails can be uneven and muddy, making them less suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, especially after rain. Reddit

Toilets and other facilities are typically available at the Ruislip Lido area, including cafes and sometimes a pub. Within the deeper parts of the woods, facilities are limited. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ancient woodland offers beautiful light filtering through the trees, especially in autumn. The Ruislip Lido beach provides a unique waterscape, and look for wildlife for candid shots. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light, creating a magical atmosphere. Golden hour can be particularly stunning amongst the trees. Reddit

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the woodland, and a macro lens is useful for close-ups of flora and fauna. Reddit

Focus on the textures of the ancient trees, the play of light and shadow, seasonal colours (especially autumn leaves), and any wildlife you encounter. The lido offers a different perspective with its water and beach. Reddit

Be mindful of the weather, as conditions can change quickly. Also, respect the natural environment and wildlife; avoid disturbing animals or damaging plants. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ruislip Woods and the adjacent Ruislip Lido are fantastic for families. The lido's beach area provides a fun, safe space for children to play, and the narrow-gauge railway offers an enjoyable ride. Reddit Within the woods, the well-maintained paths are suitable for shorter walks, and the abundance of nature offers opportunities for kids to discover wildlife like squirrels and birds. Remember to bring wellies for potential muddy patches, and pack a picnic to make a full day of it. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those seeking a peaceful solo escape, Ruislip Woods is ideal. Weekday mornings offer the most tranquil experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the ancient woodland. Reddit The extensive network of trails means you can enjoy long, uninterrupted walks, listening to the sounds of nature and observing the diverse flora and fauna. The sense of calm and quiet is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists

Ruislip Woods is a known spot for cycling, with dedicated trails that offer a good off-road experience. The varied terrain provides a decent challenge for recreational cyclists looking to explore the natural landscape. Reddit It's a great way to cover more ground and experience the different sections of the reserve. Just be mindful of other users on the paths. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Ancient Woodland

Ruislip Woods is a significant area of ancient woodland, meaning it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600. This rich history contributes to its unique biodiversity and atmosphere. The reserve is composed of several distinct woods, including Copse Wood, Ruislip Common, and Great Wood, each offering slightly different flora and fauna. Walking through these mature oak, beech, and birch trees feels like stepping back in time, with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Reddit

Navigating the woods is made easier by a network of paths, catering to both walkers and cyclists. While some paths are well-maintained and accessible, others are more natural and can become quite muddy after rainfall, as noted by visitors. This means wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for a comfortable experience. The sense of peace and calm within the woods is frequently mentioned by visitors, making it an ideal escape from urban life. Reddit

For those interested in nature, the woods are a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, squirrels, and if you're fortunate, you might even spot deer. The presence of these animals adds to the immersive natural experience. The combination of ancient trees, varied terrain, and abundant wildlife makes Ruislip Woods a truly special place for nature lovers and walkers alike. Reddit

The Charm of Ruislip Lido

Adjacent to the expansive Ruislip Woods lies Ruislip Lido, a large reservoir that offers a surprising contrast to the dense woodland. It features a sandy beach area, which is a unique amenity for an inland location and provides a pleasant spot for a stroll or a picnic. The lido is a popular destination for families, offering a different kind of outdoor recreation compared to the forest trails. Reddit

Visitors often combine a walk through the woods with a visit to the lido, enjoying the best of both worlds. The lido area also hosts a narrow-gauge railway, which can be a fun experience, especially for children, offering a relaxing way to see the surroundings without extensive walking. There are also facilities like cafes and a pub nearby, making it a convenient spot for refreshments. Reddit

The combination of the tranquil, ancient woodland and the more open, recreational space of the lido makes Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve a versatile destination. Whether you're seeking a deep forest immersion or a waterside walk with amenities, this area offers a well-rounded natural escape. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2