Heartwood Forest
Heartwood Forest
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
69
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Ralph K
London, UK1,207 contributions
May 2021
Our trusty sat-nav took us staight to the 'free' car park. Well signposted walks and information boards and leaflets ensured we would not miss anything. Over 800 acres of new and ancient woodland with wildlife walks and meadows to enjoy but the bluebells in the ancient Langley Wood was the main reason we had come here.
It is an ancient woodland in the centre of Heartwood Forest and to enjoy the biggest bluebell carpets we have ever seen. The walks were roped off to prevent damage to the bluebells. With the dappled sun it was totally wonderful and really well managed. Everyone, from lone walkers to families with children were engrossed in looking at this very low key spectacle. Apparently one fifth of the world's buebells grow in the UK and these large colonies can take 5-7 years to flower from seed. To complete a great day out, we would recommend booking at The Queen's Head in Sandridge for lunch afterwards
It is an ancient woodland in the centre of Heartwood Forest and to enjoy the biggest bluebell carpets we have ever seen. The walks were roped off to prevent damage to the bluebells. With the dappled sun it was totally wonderful and really well managed. Everyone, from lone walkers to families with children were engrossed in looking at this very low key spectacle. Apparently one fifth of the world's buebells grow in the UK and these large colonies can take 5-7 years to flower from seed. To complete a great day out, we would recommend booking at The Queen's Head in Sandridge for lunch afterwards
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edie
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Some people mention that it is hardly a forest… well, considering this is part of a large scale reforestation effort of ancient British scpecies, it has to start somewhere. The youngest part of the woods is only 4 years old therefore the trees are still saplings but the oldest parts have been around for a while, including some fully mature sections. This is a fantastic investment for the future of Heartfordshire and I look forward to revisiting this beutiful area as long as I am able to walk. One highlight is the Arboratum, which was planted in 2016 and showcases many well known and several lesser known ancient native species. Please leave the woods as you find them and don’t leave anything behind.
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo F
99 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Free parking and entry to the forest, which is great for all.
It is well managed with lots of paths providing information on the local wildlife. It is good that you can go off the main pathway and explore smaller trails and woods. There are plenty of places to sit and have a picnic.
It is well managed with lots of paths providing information on the local wildlife. It is good that you can go off the main pathway and explore smaller trails and woods. There are plenty of places to sit and have a picnic.
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
talon1579
5 contributions
May 2020
Main walking areas on paths were very pleasant. No instructions on main information point as to how to see the arboretum, ( the main attraction for us). Inside Langley Wood we encountered a Woodland Trust official who directed us to the site of the arboretum. He recommended we take our car there . We asked if the trees were labelled and this was confirmed. Very limited parking adjacent to the arboretum which was difficult to find in Drovers Lane. ( No signposts). There were no car parks just a very few lay-bys. We could only access the perimeter of the fenced off arboretum and could see no labels on individual trees. I suppose we may have missed the arboretum altogether but this just emphasises how hard it was to find!
Written 22 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,507 contributions
Mar 2021
Heartwood Forest is located on the road between Wheathampstead and Sandridge and is just North of Sandridge village.
The parking is free which is good and it is well spaced out.
There are areas where you have to keep your dog on a lead however when I visited people did not seem to be adhering to this.
I was very impressed with the variety of walks and they are different lengths for different abilities. There are walks on grass/mud and there are some more formal paths for those who need them (or don't like getting muddy).
There are some established woods and also some new woods that have been planted in the last 10 years. It will be nice to see these evolve over years so I will be returning.
The parking is free which is good and it is well spaced out.
There are areas where you have to keep your dog on a lead however when I visited people did not seem to be adhering to this.
I was very impressed with the variety of walks and they are different lengths for different abilities. There are walks on grass/mud and there are some more formal paths for those who need them (or don't like getting muddy).
There are some established woods and also some new woods that have been planted in the last 10 years. It will be nice to see these evolve over years so I will be returning.
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie Carr
St. Albans, UK220 contributions
Jan 2022
By owning a dog who has lots of energy it is fabulous having Heartwood on our doorstep. I only usually visit in less busy times, so very early and in the week. I love to see the landscape and nature change through the seasons. Great place for birds and wild flowers. My nature sanctuary.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard B
St. Albans, UK11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Heartwood is a lovely space north of St Albans. Very much a favourite with dog walkers. The trees planted over the last few years are now maturing nicely creating a variety of walks and habitats. Many more birds now than there used to be. Added to that, Heartwood also includes meadows and very old natural woods. Good variety for a couple of hours walk.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary S
Hemel Hempstead, UK15 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
I do not know why this is called a forest, it is hardly a wood. I'm sure it will be a forest many years from now as lots of trees have been planted. There are ancient parts of woodland a good walk from the car park but these are mainly roped off to protect the bluebells. The pathways are very suited to disabled but extremely annoying for sure footed people as you can hardly hold a conversation over the crunch, crunch, crunch noise as you walk over the loose gravel surface. Worth a visit but if you like natural then this is over developed, I can think of far more natural and picturesque places to go.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indeana
Harpenden, UK228 contributions
Aug 2022
We visit regularly. Miles of lovely walks and great views. Car park, but no toilets. Great for dogs. However, on this visit (bank holiday Monday) there was shooting in the distance, which frightened our dog, so went home early.
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
I can't understand why they named it this way with the spelling. Surely it should have been called Hertwood Forest. That would make complete sense and would advertise the county correctly for the attraction.
A great place to visit though. We live nearby and feel privileged that we have such an asset.
A great place to visit though. We live nearby and feel privileged that we have such an asset.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I went last April to see the bluebells and remember seeing a field behind the forest with yellow wild flowers. Can any one tell me if this is accessible or near a car park? Looking for a good place to take photos in the spring with some wild flower meadows but as it will be in the spring struggling to find somewhere thanks
Written 14 February 2024
How far is it to walk to here from the St Albans City train station? Coming up over night and fancy seeing some local nature places
Written 14 September 2022
2.8 miles from St Albans railway station to Heartwood (Sandridge). I don't know about buses. In St Albans there is Verulamium Park, about 1.5 miles, more likely to be bus services.
Written 15 September 2022
Rachel K
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
We would like to bring a minibus to visit the forest, are there height or width restrictions at the carpark entrance?
Written 24 April 2022
Firstly I love Heartwood secondly I love dogs. If the small minority of dog owners that behave irresponsibly would do the right things Heartwood would be even better. My question though is regarding whether dog walkers are allowed to let their dogs off the lead in the Arboretum field? There is one sign at the entrance off Coleman Green Lane that says all dogs on leads. I have walked through many times and seen many dog walkers and have yet to see one dog on its lead. It would be nice to have one small part of Heartwood where ground nesting birds could raise their broods without fear of their whole batch being eaten by roving dogs. If the intent is for dogs to be kept on leads in this area, could it be better sign posted at all entry points and possibly enforced. It would be a shame if this area became another ecological desert/dog toilet with trees.
Written 20 February 2021
Hi! I am visiting Heartwood Forest and wanted to see if you have any specific recommendations for this time of year? I am new to England and have just stumbled upon the great reviews of the Forest :)
Written 9 August 2019
Heartwood Forest
St. Albans, United Kingdom
Hey Stephania,
I would highly recommend following one of our way mark trails that lead you around the site. The Heartwood Hike is the longest and takes in a lot of our ancient Woodlands.
All the best,
George
Written 13 August 2019
Could we walk the motorbike in for photo shooting?
Looking forward to hear from you. Thanks
Written 27 May 2018
Call them on 0330 333 3300 and ask the question. Please post back with what hey say.
Written 15 June 2018
Heartwood Forest
St. Albans, United Kingdom
Hi Gina,
Unfortunately we don't allow barbecues at Heartwood Forest due the risk of damage to the wildlife and habitats found there if not properly controlled. You're more than welcome to bring a picnic though, and there is a lovely big picnic area in the middle of Magical Wood which is for everyone to use.
Written 30 August 2017
Is the permanent portaloo that's within sight of the car park not intended for visitors? I note it is kept in immaculate condition.
Written 21 March 2016
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