Burnham Beeches Ancient Woodland
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Burnham Beeches is a 540-acre ancient woodland managed by the City of London since 1880. Famous for its pollarded beech trees - some 400-500 years old - the wood is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It has been used as a film location for everything from Robin Hood to Harry Potter.
The Route
Start from the main car park on Lord Mayor's Drive and follow the wide rides through the woodland. The pollarded beeches with their swollen bases and spreading crowns are magnificent. Visit the Victoria Drive area for the most impressive specimens. Continue past ponds and through heath clearings before looping back via the quieter western woodland.
Dog-Friendly Details
Dogs must be on leads at all times (City of London byelaw). The woodland is popular with dog walkers despite this. Ponds and streams provide drinking water. The rides are well-maintained and mostly dry. The ancient trees provide wonderful shade. Deer are present so the lead rule is important.
Practical Information
Free car park on Lord Mayor's Drive (closes at sunset). No cafe but an ice cream van sometimes visits. The Blackwood Arms in nearby Burnham is dog-friendly. Toilets at the car park. The woods are busiest at weekends. Dawn and dusk visits are magical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must dogs be on leads?
The City of London requires all dogs on leads at Burnham Beeches to protect ground-nesting birds, veteran trees, and deer. This is enforced by rangers. The woodland is still a lovely dog walk on lead.
Which films were made here?
Burnham Beeches has featured in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, several Harry Potter films, First Knight, and many TV productions. The ancient trees create an atmospheric backdrop. Look for familiar scenes as you walk.
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