Woodland & heathland

Immerse yourself in our beautiful and extensive ancient woodland. Walk amongst the Sweet Chestnut, Birch and Oak trees or meander across remnant heath.

Bluebells in the woods

Lesnes Abbey Woods was a working wood until the 1930's, when it was opened as public park.

Why not make a special visit in March to see our wild daffodils, believed to be the largest display in south-east England?  In April and May, the woods are further transformed by a beautiful carpet of native bluebells. You will be surprised at how quickly you are immersed in nature, leaving the hustle and bustle of south-east London behind.

There was once a huge expanse of heathland in this part of south-east London.  Local place names such as Bexleyheath and Blackheath give us a clue to their past. Lesnes Heathland is just a small fragment of what was once here. Across England, only one-sixth of the heathland that existed in 1800 has been preserved. Heathland is characterised by Heather, Bracken, Gorse, and is very important for many species, including many kinds of reptiles.

Carved benches on the heath
Children in their den in the woods

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Access lots of information about the history and ecology of this beautiful site.

Lesnes Abbey visitor survey

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