Once upon a time, 75% of the UK was covered in forest, stretching from coast to coast and enveloping the Island nation in leafy foliage. Today, just 15% of the country remains forested, with much of the ancient woodland lost in time. However, many breathtaking forests enjoy protected status as national parks and conservation areas today, preserving them for future generations.
Forests are a key gateway to the UK’s historic past, both in terms of flora and fauna. From towering oak trees to the numerous species that live in and around them, it does not take much to see where the man-made myths and legends connected to the country’s greatest and most abundant forests originated from, perfectly encapsulating the charm and appeal they still retain today.
Glen Affric, Scotland
Often described as Scotland’s most beautiful glen, Glen Affric is a wild landscape of ancient Caledonian pinewoods, still lochs, and imposing mountains. The forest is a haven for wildlife, with red deer grazing in the glades, golden eagles soaring high above the tree tops, and the elusive Scottish wildcat hiding out under the canopy. Scotland’s famously wild weather has a hand in shaping the landscape, whether it be the golden hues of autumn or a deep winter’s frost, making visits to Glen Affric a shifting year-round spectacle.
Hiking trails wind upwards through the forest, offering breathtaking viewpoints. One of the area's standout attractions is the Plodda Falls, towering over the area at 46 metres, creating a stunning spectacle of cascading water against mossy cliffs. Trails off the beaten track lead walkers to dramatic views of the Highlands and allow for quiet reflection of the sheer scale and majesty of one of Scotland’s most beloved and best forests.
The New Forest, Hampshire
Once a royal hunting ground established by William the Conqueror, the New Forest is filled with ancient woodlands, rolling heaths, and charming forest villages. As one of the largest national parks in the South of England, free-roaming ponies, donkeys, deer, and cattle add to its universal appeal as an enchanting destination for wildlife lovers. Thick forest filled with dense oak and beech trees blocks out the sun's rays and creates a canopy of shifting light, adding a haunting atmosphere to deeper parts of the dense woods for walkers to wander through and let their imagination lead.
Charming villages nestled in the heart of the forest, such as Burley and Beaulieu, are great examples of humans living in perfect harmony with their forest companions. Burley has a plethora of cosy pubs and tea rooms to enjoy, when not walking the many trails through the village. The Beaulieu River, winding through the forest to the gorgeous marshes at Buckler’s Hard, is one of the forest’s most beautiful river walks. The New Forest is also unique in the fact that it borders the English Channel, with port towns such as Lymington providing a joyous fusion between seaside and forest communities – a real highlight for visitors to take in.
Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Famously known as the legendary home of the reputed English outlaw, Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is one of the country’s most popularised woodlands, thanks to the popularity of the legend. Filled with ancient oak trees, some of which are well over a thousand years old, they stand as watchful sentinels over an area long linked with myth and adventure. The most famous of these is the Major Oak, which is believed to have sheltered the outlaw and his loyal followers, the Merry Men, and remains an ever-popular landmark.
The annual Robin Hood Festival brings the forest to life with costumed archers, medieval music, and storytelling events that regale the legend and retain its popularity among modern audiences. One of Sherwood Forest’s most significant findings occurred in 2005 with the rediscovery of the Thynghowe, an important meeting place amongst the Viking peoples that settled in Britain during the Dark Ages. Sherwood’s dense forest holds many treasures and tales of England’s storied past and is one of the best places to explore more of the country’s fascinating history, surrounded by nature.
Grizedale Forest, Lake District
Tucked between Coniston Water and Windermere, Grizedale Forest is an impressive woodland that draws all ages to explore its hidden spaces and marvel at its stupendous sculptures in the heart of the Lake District. Filled with walking and cycling trails, it presents opportunities for rock climbing and high-rope adventures, with endless options for adrenaline and fun. Out of the forest, visitors ascend into open glades and up the region's famously steep hills, which makes for some of the most stunning scenic walks (or rides) in the UK.
As the name implies, the Peak District is a haven for experienced hikers looking to test their limits. The more exhilarating routes, such as the North Face Trail, offer a single track that’s ideal for intermediate as well as expert mountain bikers. It runs through Grizedale Forest, while others can enjoy the scenic route on foot via the Monsal Trail, which runs for more than eight miles.
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
The Hundred Acre Wood holds a special place in children’s fiction as the home of the titular character and friends of the Winnie the Pooh book series. Its real life inspiration is none other than Ashdown Forest, just 30 miles south from London. Ashdown’s peaceful glades provide an idyllic place for scenic walks, dotted with viewpoints offering vast panoramas of the Sussex countryside and the famous rolling hills of the North and South Downs.
A perfect day out with children, families can follow the “Pooh Walks” to locations inspired by the books, such as Poohsticks Bridge, The Enchanted Place, and the Heffalump Trap, easily found thanks to a map at the start of the route at Gill’s Lap. The open skies and wide landscapes allow visitors to spot wandering deer, wild ponies, and rare birds, which make fine substitutes for the creatures that inhabit the Hundred Acre Wood from author A.A. Milne’s cherished childhood classics.
Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland
Tollymore has seen its popularity soar to new heights in the last decade, thanks to its status as a prominent filming location for the television series Game of Thrones, with many scenes from across the show's eight seasons filmed among its enchanting trees. Located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore is home to 16 stone bridges that span the bubbling course of the Shimna River and ancient redwood trees that encapsulate the fairytale quality of the forest and became synonymous with the hit fantasy series.
The forest is ripe with attractions, with visitors able to take many winding trails that lead past gushing waterfalls and through deep, shadowy glades, to gothic-style stepping stones and hidden follies and grottos. The Hermitage is one of the most popular stops on the route, built into the side of a gorge above the Shimna, and a fantastic resting place for weary walkers.
