Lesnes Abbey Woodland Walk

Event Information

Join the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods for a guided walk through our ancient woodlands. A circular route with some steady climbs on well-trodden paths takes us on a journey of discovery, some highlights are shown below.

Why not make a day of it and also go on our arboretum walk to discover the unusual trees from around the world in the park and have a look around the ruins of the Augustinian Abbey that was founded in 1178. A Guide Book is available at Chestnut's Kiosk.

•  Travel back in time 55 million years and meet ‘Claude’, and try your hand at finding seashells and shark’s teeth in the fossil pit.

•  Find out what the Romans did for the woods, and their continuing legacy.

•  See how to work out roughly how old a tree is and see a few ancient trees.

•  Visit the reservoir built for the abbey to provide water, now a pond teaming with life.

•  Discover sculptures by nature and sculptures by man, against the backdrop of ever changing scenery.

•  Relax as you immerse yourself in a fascinating and natural woodland.

Contributors

The Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods

Lesnes Abbey Woods is a park in the London Borough of Bexley that contains the ruins of an abbey and an ancient woodland famous for its wild daffodils.

We are the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods, or FOLAW for short, and our aim is to help promote, protect and preserve this historical place. 

We are a non-profit organisation operating with charitable objectives and bound by a constitution.

https://www.friendsoflesnesabbeyandwoods.com/

Instagram: @friends_of_lesnes_abbey

Peter Carter

Peter Carter has been running woodland walks at Lesnes Abbey for a number of years. Living locally he has excellent knowledge of the woods and what is seasonal at any time.

Instructions

Meet outside Chestnut's Coffee Kiosk on the south side of Lesnes Abbey Lodge. The Lodge is 10 minutes walk from Abbey Wood station. Lesnes, Abbey, New Rd, London SE2 0AX. 

Meet your guide in the area outside Chestnut's Coffee Kiosk. Public toilets are available here.

Wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground. We recommend that you also bring some water to drink and waterproof clothing if there is a chance of rain. There is a total ascent of around 50 meters in altitude, avoiding steep paths. We will always endeavor to run the tour as scheduled, but since this is an outdoor event excessive rain or wind may mean that we have to cancel for safety reasons!

Use this link on Google Maps for directions to the meeting place https://maps.app.goo.gl/octbdnfBVZWYx7JN9