Leigh Woods
Leigh Woods is situated on the edge of the Avon Gorge and is known to many as the stunning backdrop to the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Leigh Woods has an amazing history and has played an important role in the lives of the people in the Bristol area for hundreds of years.
How to get here
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 bus
The following service runs past both entrances to the woods:
X3. X3a, X4, from Bristol to Portishead.
Use the North Road stop for National Trust
Use The Gateway stop for Forestry England
By bike
A link, 41, runs through the site to the National Cycle Network Route 4 along the River Avon. Bike parking is available on both sides of the woods.
By car
Forestry England has a small car park with limited space at Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3QB
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.
OS Grid Ref ST553741
About our sites
Leigh Woods is an ancient broad-leaved woodland with ancient coppice and veteran pollards that has been designated as a SSSI (Site of special scientific Interest). It was awarded this designation for its native trees and special and rare flowering plants.
It is partly due to this interesting history that has led to Leigh woods today, being owned and cared for by two individual organisations. Forestry England to the North, and National Trust to the south.
Around 80 acres of Leigh Woods was gifted to the National Trust in 1909 by the Wills Estate, in order to protect this special place forever, for everyone. This southern part of the woodland is classified a National Nature Reserve.
A further 300 acres of Leigh Woods was purchased by The Forestry Commission in 1949. This land had been largely felled during world war II. Today Forestry England manage this Northern part of Leigh Woods for the benefit of people, wildlife and timber.
You can find out more about the northern part of Leigh Woods on the Forestry England website.
You can find out more about the southern part of Leigh Woods on the National Trust website.
Leaflets and trails
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.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the leaflets.
Photograph: Bluebells in Leigh Woods (© Forestry England).