Leigh Woods

Visitor information

How to find us

We ask that visitors travel to Leigh Woods by public transport, bike or by foot when possible. For those who need to travel by car we kindly ask that you car share.

By Bike - A link, 41, runs through the site to the National Cycle Network Route 4 along the River Avon. Bike parking is available in our car park.

Sat Nav Postcode:

BS83QB

Abbots Leigh, Bristol

By Car

Leigh Woods has a small car park with limited space.

From the M5 take junction 19 and follow the A369 towards Bristol. After passing through Abbots Leigh you will find the site signposted on the left hand side

By Public Transport

By Bus - The following service runs past the woodland entrance: X3. X3a, X4, from Bristol to Portishead.

OS Grid Ref

ST553741

Get directions

51.462795071191, -2.6449167465881

Parking and prices

The money you pay to park helps us care for the forest and its facilities. National Trust membership is not valid in the Forestry England car park. Please note that the car park is locked at 9:00pm.

You can pay by card or contactless at the machines in the car park or using the RingGo app. We recommend downloading the app to your phone before you visit. We are unable to accept cash payment for parking.

Leigh Woods members park for free. Buy your Membership now for £80 to simply park and go while supporting your favourite forest.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Car Parking Charges
Up to 2 hours	£2.00
All day	£4.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Charge per coach £10

Charge per minibus £6

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest. View our easy access trails page to find other forests with accessible parking.

Card payments accepted

Pay by phone available

Pay on foot system

Facilities and access

Leigh Woods Coffee Co. are now on site every weekend and school holidays, serving a range of delicious hot drinks and snacks.

For more details visit their Facebook page

Assistant dogs welcome
Cafe
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Picnic area

Leigh Woods

A woodland haven on the outskirts of Bristol

Leigh Woods is located to the south west of Bristol, just over the Clifton suspension bridge. On the edge of the vibrant city, the forest is an unexpected sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle.

Leigh Woods boasts a unique ecology thanks to its position on the edge of the Avon Gorge and its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The forest is crisscrossed by a network of tracks that guide visitors past a variety of habitats, including high forest, coppice, and even an arboretum that was once part of the Leigh Court Estate.

As you enter the car park, slow down to admire the avenue of copper beech trees, planted to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

At a glance

We are working in the forest. Find out more about our work.

11/01/2024 03:00

Help us prevent forest fires. Never light a BBQ, fire, or stove in the forest.

08/02/2024 09:00

Please keep dogs in sight and on main paths to help protect sensitive wildlife.

31/10/2022 09:00

Things to do

Picnics at Leigh Woods

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

There are picnic tables in the car park and dotted throughout the wood.

To prevent forest fires, never light a BBQ, fire, or stove in the forest.

Find out more

Walking trails at Leigh Woods

Escape the city centre with a walk at Leigh Woods. The trails will take you into the heart of the forest, where you can find a variety of woodland habitats and stunning views over the Avon Gorge.

Find out more

Cycling at Leigh Woods

Leigh Woods is well connected for cycling and we're proud to work closely with charity, Ride Bristol, to support local cycling.

Sustrans

Leigh Woods can be accessed from Route 41 along the River Avon tow path. Explore Leigh Woods on our network of forest roads. Please be considerate of other forest visitors.

Yer Tiz trail

This blue grade mountain bike trail features berms (banked corners), rollers (bumps), and drops and climbs. Yer Tiz is suitable for beginners who have mastered the basics of off road cycling. For more experience riders, there are opportunities to challenge yourself with optional red grade sections and the Keener Skills loop.

Please ride cautiously, giving way to other woodland users where the trail crosses paths. Expect to meet other people enjoying the woods, including walkers, dog walkers and children. Helmets must always be worn when riding.

Coaching area

Leigh woods has a purpose built coaching area close to the car park that is suitable for teaching a range of skills for all ages and abilities.

Find out more

Nearby forests

East Harptree

Visit East Harptree to see the historical Smitham Chimney, a relic of Mendip's industrial past. The Cornish-style chimney survived when the site closed in 1875 and was saved from complete destruction in 1973 by The Mendip Society and Somerset County Council.

In front of the Chimney there is a pond where you can see dragonflies in the summer months. There are also fine views of the Chew Valley from the grassland area nearby.

Find out more