
Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common
Ancient woodlands and commons offering serene walks, vibrant bluebells in spring, and a peaceful escape into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bluebells in full bloom

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common
Best Time
Bluebells in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient woodlands and commons offering serene walks, vibrant bluebells in spring, and a peaceful escape into nature.
"A lovely peaceful walk in established, tranquil woodland with a good mix of paths."

🥾 Wear Wellies!
Essential for muddy, steep trails, especially Oct-April.
🗺️ Use Alltrails App
Great for navigating the Danbury Common walking trail.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bluebell Carpet
Blake's Wood
Witness a breathtaking spectacle of bluebells carpeting the ancient woodland floor in spring.

Peaceful Woodland Walks
Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common
Explore serene footpaths and bridleways through established, tranquil woods, perfect for nature lovers.

Lakeside Serenity
Danbury Common
Enjoy a clean and quiet walk around picturesque lakes, with facilities available in the car parks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Terrain
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Wellies!
Essential for muddy, steep trails, especially Oct-April.
🗺️ Use Alltrails App
Great for navigating the Danbury Common walking trail.
🚗 Parking Payment
Carparks aren't free but accept card payments.
🎒 Pack Snacks
No cafes on-site, so bring your own refreshments.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Wellies!
Essential for muddy, steep trails, especially Oct-April.
🗺️ Use Alltrails App
Great for navigating the Danbury Common walking trail.
🚗 Parking Payment
Carparks aren't free but accept card payments.
🎒 Pack Snacks
No cafes on-site, so bring your own refreshments.
⚠️ Watch for Bikes
Some trails are used for mountain biking; stay alert.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common for their peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, especially the stunning bluebell displays in spring. The varied terrain offers an engaging walking experience, though some find the unmade, steep, and muddy paths challenging. Limited amenities and the absence of a cafe are noted drawbacks.
"Blakes Wood is especially important to me as a place I visited frequently with my parents before they passed away. We would normally visit when the bluebells carpeted the woodland. I remember being shocked at the damage that occurred from the Great Storm of 1987 but, as an ancient woodland, and through the management of the National Trust it soon recovered. This is an excellent place to view flora and fauna. The woods are separated from the much larger, and busier, Danbury Commons and has a small unmade car park. The trails are also unmade and can be steep due to the numerous streams and valleys."
Mark Grainger
"Both myself and my children enjoyed the walking trail here. It's very picturesque, with a mixed terrain (a very small part of the route is along back roads too).
It's a 3.5hr walking trail that overlaps in a figure of 8, so if you are getting tired after the first half, you're back to where you started anyway.
If you're going to try out the walking trail between Oct-April, wellies are probably your best bet.
Danbury Common walking trail can be found on the Alltrails app."
Maxie Oakes
"Lovely peaceful walk around the lakes, very clean, no litter. 2 lots of toilets, 1 in each carpark. There's sometimes an ice cream in the car park but not when we went. It's a shame there's not a little cafe to grab a bite for lunch. Carpark isn't free but can pay via card if app"
Nicky Dawson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are accessible via several car parks. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. The Alltrails app can assist with navigation once you're in the vicinity, particularly for the Danbury Common walking trail.
Yes, there are car parks available at both Blake's Wood and Danbury Common. These car parks are not free, but payment can typically be made via card.
Site maps are usually available at the entrance of the car parks, providing guidance on the network of footpaths and bridleways.
While Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common have a mix of footpaths and bridleways, some trails are designated for mountain biking. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow signage.
Yes, Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common make for an excellent day trip from nearby areas, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common is generally free, but there are charges for using the car parks.
As natural woodland areas, Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
There are no entrance fees for walking through the woods themselves. The only cost is associated with parking your vehicle in the designated car parks.
Advance booking is not required for visiting Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common, as it's a natural public space.
While the National Trust manages some areas, access to Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common is generally open to the public without requiring a specific pass.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trails are unmade and can be steep due to valleys and streams. Expect muddy conditions, especially between October and April, making wellies a good choice.
Yes, there are two sets of toilets available, located in each of the car parks.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the woods and creating games. The varied terrain offers an adventurous experience, though supervision is advised due to steep paths.
Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are popular spots for dog walkers, offering plenty of space for dogs to explore.
These woodlands are excellent places to view flora and fauna. In spring, the bluebells are a major attraction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Unfortunately, there is no cafe or restaurant on-site. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. You can find scenic spots within the woods or by the lakes on Danbury Common. Remember to take all your litter with you.
There is sometimes an ice cream van in the car park, but it's not a guaranteed feature, so don't rely on it for a treat.
While not directly on-site, there are likely local pubs and eateries in the surrounding villages of Danbury and Great Baddow.
Absolutely! Bringing your own provisions is highly recommended given the lack of on-site dining facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The bluebell carpet in Blake's Wood during spring is a photographer's dream. The lakes on Danbury Common also offer serene landscape opportunities.
Yes, the varied terrain, including valleys, streams, and lakes, provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography throughout the year.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and respect the peaceful nature of the area before flying a drone.
While not marked, the higher points overlooking the valleys in Blake's Wood and the edges of the lakes on Danbury Common offer natural viewpoints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For those looking for a more structured walk, the adjacent Danbury Common offers a marked walking trail. This trail is available on the Alltrails app, which can be a valuable tool for navigation, especially if you're planning a longer hike. It's also important to be aware that some of these trails are shared with mountain bikers. While signs are usually in place to indicate these routes, it's always wise to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Flora and Fauna
Beyond the bluebells, the woods and commons are excellent habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. Birdsong is common, and with a bit of patience, you might spot other small wildlife. The mix of woodland, open common land, and lakes on Danbury Common creates diverse ecosystems, supporting a range of plant life and attracting different species. It's a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the local biodiversity.
Visitor Amenities and Practicalities
The car parks themselves are not free, but they do offer the convenience of card payment options, which is a modern and accessible way to pay for parking. While an ice cream van sometimes visits the car park, it's not a reliable feature, so it's best not to depend on it for refreshments. The overall experience is one of immersion in nature, with practicalities kept simple to maintain the area's tranquil atmosphere.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit