Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common - Image 1
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Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common

4.7
·186 reviews·Danbury, United Kingdom

Ancient woodlands and commons offering serene walks, vibrant bluebells in spring, and a peaceful escape into nature.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Bluebells in full bloom

CrowdLow
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Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common - Image 1

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common

Best Time

Spring mornings

Bluebells in full bloom

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient woodlands and commons offering serene walks, vibrant bluebells in spring, and a peaceful escape into nature.

4.7
(186 reviews)

"A lovely peaceful walk in established, tranquil woodland with a good mix of paths."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Wellies!

Essential for muddy, steep trails, especially Oct-April.

🗺️ Use Alltrails App

Great for navigating the Danbury Common walking trail.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bluebell Carpet

Bluebell Carpet

Blake's Wood

Witness a breathtaking spectacle of bluebells carpeting the ancient woodland floor in spring.

Peaceful Woodland Walks

Peaceful Woodland Walks

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common

Explore serene footpaths and bridleways through established, tranquil woods, perfect for nature lovers.

Lakeside Serenity

Lakeside Serenity

Danbury Common

Enjoy a clean and quiet walk around picturesque lakes, with facilities available in the car parks.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild Terrain

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common offer natural, unmade trails that can be steep and muddy, especially between October and April. Wellies are highly recommended for a comfortable experience. Be mindful of mountain bikers on designated trails.

Plan Your Visit Wisely

While peaceful, amenities are limited. Car parks are not free but offer card payment options. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as cafes are not available on-site. The Alltrails app can help navigate the Danbury Common walking trail.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Bluebells in full bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Crisp air and fall colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter trails
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If he wants culture we can move to Danbury #connecticut #funny #relatable #fyp
@alexacurtisunfiltered
44.7K likes • 408.5K views

🥾 Wear Wellies!

Essential for muddy, steep trails, especially Oct-April. Reddit

🗺️ Use Alltrails App

Great for navigating the Danbury Common walking trail. Reddit

🚗 Parking Payment

Carparks aren't free but accept card payments. Reddit

🎒 Pack Snacks

No cafes on-site, so bring your own refreshments. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Wellies!

Essential for muddy, steep trails, especially Oct-April. Reddit

🗺️ Use Alltrails App

Great for navigating the Danbury Common walking trail. Reddit

🚗 Parking Payment

Carparks aren't free but accept card payments. Reddit

🎒 Pack Snacks

No cafes on-site, so bring your own refreshments. Reddit

⚠️ Watch for Bikes

Some trails are used for mountain biking; stay alert. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(186 reviews)

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

Peaceful woodland walks
Beautiful bluebell displays
Natural, wild terrain

What People Dislike

Muddy, steep paths
Limited amenities
No cafe on-site

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Site maps are usually available at the entrance of the car parks, providing guidance on the network of footpaths and bridleways. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common make for an excellent day trip from nearby areas, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common is generally free, but there are charges for using the car parks. Reddit

As natural woodland areas, Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

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. Reddit

Advance booking is not required for visiting Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common, as it's a natural public space. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Yes, there are two sets of toilets available, located in each of the car parks. Reddit

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. Reddit

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are popular spots for dog walkers, offering plenty of space for dogs to explore. Reddit

These woodlands are excellent places to view flora and fauna. In spring, the bluebells are a major attraction. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Unfortunately, there is no cafe or restaurant on-site. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While not directly on-site, there are likely local pubs and eateries in the surrounding villages of Danbury and Great Baddow. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own provisions is highly recommended given the lack of on-site dining facilities. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, the varied terrain, including valleys, streams, and lakes, provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography throughout the year. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and respect the peaceful nature of the area before flying a drone. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common offer a fantastic natural playground for families. Kids can enjoy exploring the woods, building dens, and discovering nature. The varied terrain, with its streams and valleys, adds an element of adventure, though parents should keep a close eye on younger children due to the steep paths. Reddit The adjacent Danbury Common with its lakes provides a slightly more open space for running around. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited, and wellies are a must for muddy adventures! Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Solo Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those seeking a peaceful solo escape, Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are ideal. The tranquil atmosphere and established woodland trails offer a perfect setting for quiet contemplation and immersion in nature. Birdsong and the chance to spot local flora and fauna make it a rewarding experience. Reddit+1 The Alltrails app can be helpful for longer, more defined routes on Danbury Common, ensuring you can explore with confidence. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are very popular with dog walkers, offering ample space for your canine companions to roam and explore. The network of footpaths and bridleways provides varied routes for enjoyable walks. Reddit Just be mindful of the shared trails with mountain bikers and ensure your dog is under control, especially in areas with wildlife. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails

Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common are characterized by their natural, unmade trails. These paths can be steep and uneven due to the woodland's topography, featuring numerous streams and valleys. This natural state contributes to the area's wild charm but requires appropriate footwear. Between October and April, the trails can become particularly muddy, making wellington boots a highly recommended choice for visitors seeking comfort and stability. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Flora and Fauna

Blake's Wood is particularly renowned for its ancient woodland status and the stunning display of bluebells that carpet the forest floor in the spring. This natural spectacle is a significant draw for visitors and photographers alike, transforming the woodland into a vibrant sea of purple. The area is managed by the National Trust, which plays a role in preserving its ecological value and ensuring its recovery after events like the Great Storm of 1987. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Visitor Amenities and Practicalities

When planning a visit to Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common, it's important to note the limited on-site amenities. While the natural beauty is abundant, facilities are basic. There are two sets of toilets, conveniently located within the car parks at Danbury Common. Reddit However, there are no cafes or shops directly within the woodland or common areas. This means visitors should come prepared with their own food and drinks, especially if planning a longer walk or picnic. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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