Space to Visit

These woods are a hidden treasure in the heart of suburban London. The site contains the consolidated remains of Lesnes Abbey, founded by Richard de Luci in 1178. This has been a very important site throughout history and was even visited by Edward I. Lesnes Abbey Woods includes a diversity of wildlife habitats, plants and flowers. There are self-guided trails which take you through valleys containing hornbeam trees, wild flowers such as figwort and dogs mercury, open heathland and ornamental gardens. In the spring there is a lovely display of wild daffodils and bluebells. Whatever the season, families may wish to follow the trails through the woods and look for hidden sculptures. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the chance to dig or sift for fossils. An exposed fossil bed contains the fossilised remains of shells, fish, reptiles and mammals – so you can search for your own prehistoric souvenir of the woods (rules apply)