Heartwood Forest image

Heartwood Forest

Tourist attraction β€’ Hiking area β€’ National forest

One of the Top rated Tourist attractions in St Albans


Address

Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ, United Kingdom

Website

heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (442 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: walk (12) forest (8) paths (7) Great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 David S. 1 year ago on Google
    The majority of this 860 acre site is relatively newly planted, former agricultural land, although it does include four ancient woods: Round Wood, Langley Wood, Well and Pudler’s Wood, and Pismire Spring. The car park is free and the site has many well-signposted paths and bridal-ways. A great place to walk a dog or to just enjoy the meadow flowers and wildlife. Great to see this lovely addition to London’s green belt.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Leo 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place to go for a walk, if you come in season there is a beautiful forest with the ground covered with bluebells . Free parking is available
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Michael W. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a newly planted forest build around a couple of ancient woodlands so don't expect the big trees experience. Lots of room to wander. Dog owners well behaved on the whole. There are a series of hardcore made up paths suitable for prams and mobility chairs as well as feet. Further there are a series of tracks which, depending on the weather, get quite muddy, whooppee. The single lane entry road needs patience and there are designated passing places. Parking is adequate but would get very busy during good weather and holiday times. There are no lavatories or a cafe so either bring your down or trot into nearby Sandridge which as a number of refreshment options. A marvellous effort by The Woodland Trust.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Brian M. 11 months ago on Google
    A beautiful oasis of woodland only a few minutes drive north of St Albans. Lots of wildlife to be found on well laid out paths and trails.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ben H. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely calm place to walk the dog. Wonderful in Spring when the bluebells are in bloom.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mustafa K. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice walking and jogging place. It was a bit windy and chilly but it was worth it. You can see so many dogs and kids during your walk which is very nice. Car park is free and having abundant space. The entry road seems a bit narrow but there are places for passing over. Looking forward to our next trip there.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Michael R. 1 year ago on Google
    A tremendously well-maintained forest, cared for by the Woodland Trust, with some beautiful areas of ancient woodland. Often staffed by friendly, helpful volunteers. We visited in April 2022 when the bluebells were in bloom, and was impressed by the paths laid throughout the Langley Wood area to preserve the woodland. The arboretum is fascinating, with an example of every tree found natively in the UK, and planted by the tree species’ usage. We saw a lot of wildlife, including a red kite and nuthatches.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mark W. 11 months ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy either alone, as a couple or with a group Great for dog walks, picnics or just a simple stroll Parking is pretty busy at the time of year that the Bluebells are out so get there early. Gets very busy just before lunchtime when the weather's good Later in the year, the meadow is full of flower and is very enjoyable to sit or lay amongst the flowering meadow plants
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Betty K. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful forest for walking. We have been there in sunny November and loved there. Not any activity for kids , any playground around but we played with leaves and built a house with woods. I can recommend for sunny days
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Marc P. 2 years ago on Google
    Well maintained Woodland with decent paths. Good car park. Busy on days when the weather is good. There are paths to escape the crowds though.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Vincent H. 1 year ago on Google
    My go to place for a walk and taking in the scenery on a Sunday along with my faily dose of fresh air to boot.

  • 5/5 Ann Marie l. 1 year ago on Google
    Provided the best Mothers Day scene where I rescued a model plane from the clutches of an oak tree. Beautiful forest and reserve, well kept. Lovely sun dip views of twilight

  • 5/5 Andrew H. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning. At least four stunning ancient woods and Kms2 of hundreds of thousands of native trees planted in the last decades. All ideal for Forest Bathing. And great sweeping meadows on which to rest the eyes.

  • 5/5 Nyla F. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place for a walk. A spacious car park is available, with free parking. There are different routes that you can take, detailed in the map from the website and also displayed at the location. They are of varying length and terrains, so suitable for everyone. Great for families, cyclists and dogs. Looking forward to exploring more in the future!

  • 4/5 Ashiq S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice walk lots folks with dogs, lovely shaded areas to walk .But sheep droppings i assumed it was . In hot sun can be a bit much for older folks who used to Netflix and other tv programs πŸ™„

  • 5/5 Kara C. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful location, easy parking. Various trails (length and terrain) so great for walkers, cyclists, families and dogs. A plethora of nature - wildlife, wildflowers and woodland (old and new). Clearly marked routes and information boards.

  • 5/5 Chris G. 11 months ago on Google
    Went through the forest for a nice walk out, the forest itself is wonderful and fairytale-esque. Lots of dog-walkers about, and for good reason as there's plenty of space for them to roam.

  • 5/5 bruno z. 8 months ago on Google
    Really great place for a long dog walk - just remember to remove the seed bobbles from their ears πŸ˜–πŸ˜–πŸ˜–

  • 5/5 Samy A. 11 months ago on Google
    A lovely bit of nature on our doorstep, with ancient woodland, lots of different hikes and lovely flowery fields. The natural bluebells display in Langley Wood is gorgeous in April & May. Something we look forward to every year!

  • 5/5 Anand K. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place, calm location and woods around while you walk. Nicely managed forest

  • 5/5 Hannah K. 5 months ago on Google
    Wonderful place for a dog walk. Great choice of routes and ditances. Be warned though - it gets very muddy in winter! Also many of the paths are also bridle ways so just beware if your dog isn't good around horses!


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • βœ“οΈ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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