Located near Polegate, Abbot’s Wood is a great place for a stroll at any time of year, with walking trails, a medieval lake, play area, barbecues and picnic tables.
This ancient woodland is teeming with wildlife. Dormice live in the woodland understory and the extensive network of paths is home to nearly thirty species of butterfly, including the rare pearl-bordered fritillary. In early spring, the extraordinary song of the nightingale can be heard and summer evenings could reward you with encounters with bats, glow worms and the sound of the elusive nightjar.
Walking trails at Abbot’s Wood
Go for a wander along Abbot’s Amble or take a short stroll on Oaks Walk. Look out a variety of wildlife, bird boxes and bluebells in spring.
Wheelchair users may find portions of the trails difficult in terms of grade and surface quality.
Hire a barbecue at Abbot’s Wood
Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful barbecue stands or picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!
Abbot’s Wood has three barbecues available for you to book. Our barbecues are suitable for large groups of family and friends. Disposable and portable barbecues are not allowed.
Barbecue hire is £33 and are available all year round, parking charges apply. Don’t forget to bring your own charcoal and tools.
In order to protect this special landscape from the risk of fire please follow our guidance
- Only use barbecues where allowed
- Never leave the barbecue unattended
- Ensure you have plenty of water available and barbecues are fully extinguished after use
- Make sure that all rubbish is taken away with you
- The collection of wood from the forest is not permitted, please do not use it to add fuel to your barbecue
- Open fires are not allowed
- Full terms and conditions apply
## Disposable and portable barbecues are not allowed Barbecues are locked on arrival and can be unlocked using the unique code that is emailed to you with your booking confirmation.
Cycling at Abbot’s Wood
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Abbot’s Wood and soak up the beautiful scenery.
The wider forest and the trails off the forest tracks is out of bounds for cyclists. Please follow the Abbot’s Wood cycle code.
Horse riding at Abbot’s Wood
Abbot’s Woods offers a network of riding which include a diverse and beautiful range of woodland habitats.
Horse riding across the site is only permitted with a valid TROT pass or membership.
Further details can be found by calling TROT on 01622 735599 or visiting the TROT website.
Tree Weaver 