Lesnes Abbey Woods

Art Club
2024-10-17 10:00 - 2025-10-17 13:00 (Europe/London)
Love painting and drawing? Why not come and work alongside fellow artists in the inspirational setting of Lesnes Abbey Woods
Every third Thursday of the month thereafter.
10am to 1 pm
£10.00 per session
All Welcome. Any age, any Ability, any Medium.
Come and be inspired by the Ancient Woodland and Romantic Abbey Ruins, or work on your own project in the company of other artists. To join you can either just turn up or email You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Tai-chi
2024-10-14 09:30 - 2025-12-31 10:30
Classes are every Monday – 9.30am -10.30am.
A great way to start the week attending Tai Chi classes run by the Taoist Arts Organisation.
Pathway to Health and Well-being
6 classes cost £54.00 and £10 for a single class. For Booking details please contact Oonagh either by:
Telephone: 07944558396
Email: You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Luna Gong Bath
2024-10-11 19:30 - 2025-12-31 20:30
Make time to relax and meditate
Want to relax, let go and float in effortless meditation?
Then join us, every other Friday @ 7:30pm for a New and Full Moon Gong Bath.
It’s a therapeutic, melodic, experience, where you lay back on your mat and let the harmonic sound waves wash over you. The vibrations of the sound waves relaxes and releases all tension, rests weary muscles and allows the mind to drop into a more silent space, creating room for greater awareness, clarity, calmness and boosts creativity.
Working with the New and Full Moons allows you to manifest your hearts desires. Embrace the law of attraction with New Moon intentions and Full Moon forgiveness. Tune into the sensations of your body and become mindful of what is arising in the here and now.
All you need to bring is a mat, blanket, pillow, drinking water and wear comfy clothes.
1 hour session – £10pp
To book:- Please either You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address. or call Dawn on 07961 795642

Pilates
2024-10-11 08:15 - 2025-12-31 09:15
Classes are every Friday 9.30am – 10.30am & Tuesday 8pm – 9pm.
Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasises proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance.
We aim to keep punctuality, so please show up 5-10 minutes before your class starts.
To book a class please go to our instructor’s website here:
Book a class

About Rosanna
STOTT Pilates Trained, Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor, Exercise for Older Adults Instructor, HIIT Metafit Instructor.
Rosanna comes from a dance background, graduated in 2007 from Trinity Laban, London in Contemporary Dance Theatre BA with HONS.
She initially discovered Pilates during her dance training and has been teaching Pilates (STOTT) since 2016 when she completed her teaching training achieving the Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor Diploma with Health and Fitness Education (YMCA Awards). Continually training with Merrithew Education.
She loved the way Pilates made her body feel and wanted to share that experience with others. She feels it is the foundation to any discipline or sport anyone wants to pursue.
She brings a determined but encouraging energy to all her clients and classes with an intuitive and focused style. I am YMCA certified, which means I’ve been trained in anatomy and physiology. I understand that no two bodies are alike and will work with you to get fit and healthy at the right pace”
Here are my links to website and social media:
https://www.rosannacorefitness.com https://www.facebook.com/RosannaPilates/ https://www.instagram.com/rosannacorefitness

Walking groups
2024-10-11 08:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00
Explore Lesnes Abbey Wood’s 88 Hectares of park, woodland and heathland – see what you can discover!
Whether you would like to join a walking group or explore in your own time, Lesnes Abbey Woods is a beautiful place to walk whatever the season.
We have 3 different themed walks:
Active: (blue wayfinder) takes about a couple of hours and takes in most of the woods.
Learn: (yellow wayfinder) is a shorter walk that guides you round the key historic features in the park.
Explore: (green wayfinder) will take you into the woods and heathland.
Lesnes Abbey Woods run informal walking groups and provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people outdoors and also get fit. For more information please email You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Baby Sensory
2024-10-07 11:30 - 2025-10-07 12:15
A perfect way to meet new parents/carers and have fun with your baby
Baby Sensory provides ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual development, textures, scents and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. We also use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early speech and language skills, and sensory signing activities to help you and your baby communicate from birth.
We want you to enjoy every second of your baby’s miraculous development. That’s why everything we do has a purpose.
They arrange the sensory area to match the distance at which your baby sees objects clearly.
They measure the decibel level of our instruments to make sure they are not too loud.
They soothe your baby at the end of every session by mimicking the sounds of the womb.
They welcome you to feed or cuddle your baby during the session.
The most miraculous advances in your baby’s brain structure occur in the first 3 months of life. During this period, an astonishing 2 million new brain cell connections are created every second. By the end of the first year, your baby’s brain will have doubled in volume as a direct result of sensory learning from birth!
They are incredibly lucky to have exceptional Class Leaders. Many were originally parents who attended Baby Sensory with their own babies. Their total belief and commitment are reasons why we’ve been able to grow this original concept and help babies reach their full potential.
If you are looking for an exciting activity which will be fun for you and will help with your baby’s sensory development contact our local booking team run by Natalie who is happy to arrange for you and your baby to visit one of our classes.
For booking information and prices please click the button below
More info and booking

Spoon carving
2024-10-02 08:00 - 2025-10-02 17:00
Join us as we explore and engage with nature in a new and creative way.
In this beautiful ancient woodland, we will learn, play and make at a gentle pace while immersing ourselves in nature and supporting our wellbeing. We will be delving into the art of carving green wood into spoons using an axe, a straight knife and a crook knife. These sessions are suitable for beginners and improvers, the course includes all the tools and materials you will need to begin your journey into spoon carving.
The session is led by Stephen Stockbridge, sculptor, maker and Forest School teacher.

We will use green wood, freshly cut with a high moisture content. This is a beautiful and easy way to carve wood.
You are supported through the whole process and encouraged to explore carving in your own way and at your own pace. This is an exercise in slowing down and settling your attention.
All tools and materials are supplied and at the end of the session you will have your first carving started.
The session goes ahead, whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately.
Please bring a flask or bottle of water.
The entrance to the part of Lesnes Abbey Woods we will be working in is off New Road SE2 0QQ, there will be signage to show you the way.

To register your interest please contact: You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

To find out more, visit the Creative Nature HQ website:
Creative Nature HQ

Green wood carving
2024-10-02 08:00 - 2025-10-02 17:00
Explore and engage with nature in a new and creative way.
In this beautiful ancient woodland, we will learn, play and make at a gentle pace while immersing ourselves in nature and supporting our wellbeing. We will delve into the art of carving with green wood, utilising mallets and gouges. These sessions are suitable for beginners and improvers, the course includes all the tools and materials you will need to begin your journey into wood carving.
The session is led by Stephen Stockbridge, sculptor, maker and Forest School teacher.

We will use green wood, freshly cut with a high moisture content. This is a beautiful and easy way to carve wood.
You are supported through the whole process and encouraged to explore carving in your own way and at your own pace. This is an exercise in slowing down and settling your attention.
All tools and materials are supplied and at the end of the session you will have your first carving started.
The session goes ahead, whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately.
Please bring a flask or bottle of water.
The entrance to the part of Lesnes Abbey Woods we will be working in is off New Road SE2 0QQ, there will be signage to show you the way.

To register your interest please contact: You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

To find out more, visit the Creative Nature HQ website:
Creative Nature HQ

Bowl Carving 1 day introduction
2024-09-29 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clearing, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Turn a log of locally sourced wood into a hand carved bowl in a day!
You will be introduced to the hand tools that make this process possible, including an axe and carving gouges.
This is a physically demanding carving day. No experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm and stamina!
This workshop is carried out at “The Clearing”, an outdoor purpose-built creative space in Lesnes Abbey Woods.
Boots and sturdy footwear must be worn (no open toed shoes). All protective equipment is supplied. Whatever the weather, the workshop will proceed, except under high wind conditions or lightning.
Our parachute canopy and central, open fire will keep you warm and dry as you carve.
This is a full day workshop, 10am – 4pm.
Please bring a packed lunch and a flask.
There are toilets on site, as well as fresh drinking water.

Half day introduction to Spoon Carving (beginners)
2024-09-28 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clearing, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
This beginner’s class in spoon carving introduces you to the art of carving with an axe, a knife and a crook knife.

By carving a spoon, you can focus on becoming familiar with the tools of the craft without the pressure of knowing what to carve.
As you gain confidence with the tools, you begin to build a relationship with your small scale carving and understand the subtle and addictive qualities of this new hobby.
We will use green wood, freshly cut with a high moisture content. This is a beautiful and easy way to carve wood.
You are supported through the whole process and encouraged to explore carving in your own way and at your own pace. This is an exercise in slowing down and settling your attention.
All tools and materials are supplied and at the end of the session you will have your first carving started.
This workshop is carried out at “The Clearing”, an outdoor purpose-built creative space in Lesnes Abbey Woods.
Boots and sturdy footwear must be worn (no open toed shoes). All protective equipment is supplied.
Whatever the weather, the workshop will proceed, except under high wind conditions or lightning.
A large parachute canopy will keep you dry and a beautiful central fire will keep you warm. A kettle on the fire will provide hot drinks to fuel you during this session. All included in the price.

Songs from the Movies with West End Stars
2024-09-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Ruined Theatre Presents: SONGS FROM THE MOVIES WITH WEST END STARS
Come and relax in the atmospheric ruins of Lesnes Abbey and be transported through the ages of film through top musical hits.
We will be bringing you top songs from your favourite films from Funny Girl to Cabaret to Dirty Dancing. This is an afternoon for everyone to relish the celebration of some of our best movie musicals through the ages and soak up the last of the summer evenings.
Our cast has over 100 years of experience between them and includes Changing Ends star Nancy Sullivan (credits include Eponine in Les Miserables, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Little Voice in Little Voice and many more), Gary Watson (Strictly Ballroom), Jenna Boyd (Come From Away) and Connor Sheridan (Scrooge).

Sculptural Willow Weaving Animals
2024-09-20 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clearing, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
In this willow weaving workshop, we will look at willow in its dry and wet states and begin to handle and learn techniques to manipulate it. Once we have a good understanding, we will then immerse ourselves into the wonderful rhythm of weaving.
You will be introduced to creating an animal that is able to be kept in a garden or green space. As an individual, you can work independently on a small piece or in a friend/family group to create more ambitious scaled work. Remember it has to fit in your vehicle at the end of the session!
At Creative Nature HQ, we also provide unique opportunities to groups or businesses to create artworks that can be donated to community groups and schools. Helping to enrich you local area with some fun and environmentally conscious creatures that delight passers-by of all ages.
You take home special memories, new skills and an improved wellbeing.
This all takes place at our beautiful, new outdoor teaching space in Lesnes Abbey Woods. Under a large parachute canopy and around an open fire, you will be kept warm and dry while you weave.
Whatever the weather, the workshop will proceed, except under high wind conditions or lightning.

The Clearing Launch Day
2024-09-14 11:00 - 16:00 | The Clearing, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
The Clearing Launch Day
14 September 10am – 4pm
The Clearing, New Road, SE2 0AX
Celebrating the official opening of The Clearing our new woodland outdoor classroom and activity space with free activities for families and children.
Willow Weaving with Creative Nature HQ 10am – 4pm (drop-in session)
An opportunity to have a go at learning the heritage craft of willow weaving in the beautiful setting of The Clearing. Using soaked willow whips you will be shown how to mould and shape this nature material into different shapes and forms.
The Wishing Tree” 11am and 2pm (approx one hour)
Storytelling session for families and adults. Join author, folklorist, tree planter and storyteller Bernadette Russell in the woods for a magical afternoon of storytelling about the magic and wonder of trees and all the other earthlings that call these woods home. Come celebrate your own wild side and give yourself permission to believe in magic (if only for one afternoon) – absolutely everyone welcome!
What3Words:- super.scope.school or go to Chestnut Kiosk for directions.

Creative Crafters Paper Quilling
2024-07-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Why not come to Lesnes Abbey Lodge to learn the relaxing craft of paper quilling. Our Lodge overlooks the abbey and park and is the perfect location to learn something new in beautiful surroundings. Learn to quill and create a master piece to take home. All materials provided including frame to show off your art work!

Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunt
2024-03-30 11:00 - 16:00 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Lesnes Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Update 28/03/2024
Unfortunately online tickets for Lesnes Dinosaur Egg Hunt have sold out. There will be some limited on the day tickets being sold after 1pm

Space and Time Concert
2024-01-31 19:30 - 22:00
Where do a ruined Abbey, sharks’ teeth, ancient woodland and a glorious park all meet?
In Space and Time, a brand new orchestral and choral piece inspired by Lesnes Abbey Woods, composed by Jeremy Jackman, former Chorus Master of the London Philharmonic Choir and Musical Director of the English Baroque Choir, will be premiering at Blackheath Concert Halls on 31 January 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/lesnes-abbey-orchestral-and-choral-concert/
In between various lockdowns, Jeremy was invited to spend time at Lesnes Abbey Woods to create a new musical piece that reflects this unique site and to work with talent musicians from Bexley Music.
Space and Time will be conducted by Jeremy Jackman and performed by 150 young musicians and singers from Bexley Youth Orchestra, Bexley Choir, Christ Church Choir, and the Choir of St Fidelis Catholic Primary School. Additional music will be performed by Bexley Music ensembles: Bexley Youth Band, Bexley Youth Orchestra, Christ Church Choir, and the Choir of St Fidelis Catholic Primary School.

Lesnes Christmas Celebration
2023-12-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Lesnes Abbey Christmas Celebration is back! With a Christmas Market, workshops, choirs, mulled wine, seasonal fare and Santa visit too! A perfect opportunity to pick up a unique gift or just come to enjoy this lovely festive event.

Abbey Wood Art Fair
2023-09-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Come to Lesnes Abbey Lodge for the venues first ever art fair. It will be a great opportunity to see great artworks and meet the artists who made them.
