1 / 3Highgate Wood
📍 London, Greater London
70-acre ancient woodland in Muswell Hill managed by the City of London Corporation, with a well-equipped adventure playground, cricket ground, football pitch, and a central cafe serving coffee and seasonal ice cream. Free entry, no parking on site.
A beautiful getaway amidst nature in London. The woods were quite crowded with groups of kids, travel groups and people walking their dogs on a Saturday morning and yet so relaxing. The woods are easily navigated by Google Maps, or you could download the custom made map available on their website if you're the person who's intrigued by history. There's also a cafe amidst the woods with great coffee and bakery items.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for North London families wanting a genuine woodland feel within the city without paying entry fees. Toddlers thrive on the playground; older children spread across the sports pitches. The cafe provides a natural halfway stop. Weekday mornings are markedly quieter than Saturday afternoons when dog-walking groups and football sessions converge.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,988 Google reviews
Shaampavei Mahendrarajah
a month ago
“A beautiful getaway amidst nature in London. The woods were quite crowded with groups of kids, travel groups and people walking their dogs on a Saturday morning and yet so relaxing. The woods are easily navigated by Google Maps, or you could download the custom made map available on their website if you're the person who's intrigued by history. There's also a cafe amidst the woods with great coffee and bakery items.”
UK Photo Journey
a year ago
“A beautiful place to go for a relaxing walk. Good for running, cycling or family time with kids. Big space to play or stroll around and enjoy the nature. There is plenty of wildlife to peak at respectfully. I always love nature spaces and it is one of them. Well kept and a cafe in the middle of tgese wood lad”
Ado Becirovic
5 months ago
“Wall through woods, or jog, playground for the kids football pitch cricket ground, coffee, ice cream and loads of amenities especially summer time.”
Cindy van Wyk
7 months ago
“Beautiful wood's. You wouldn't even think your still in London. Quaint little café in the centre. Great play area for the kids.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Highgate Wood contains oak and hornbeam trees believed to date back thousands of years. Marked paths wind past the cricket ground, football pitches, and a sand-based adventure playground with climbing frames suitable for toddlers through primary-school age. The central cafe stocks hot drinks, cakes, and ice cream from a terrace surrounded by trees. Wildlife including woodpeckers, foxes, and grey squirrels is reliably spotted along the quieter eastern paths.
