Low Burnhall Woodland (Woodland Trust)
A peaceful 68-hectare woodland near Durham with ancient trees, bluebells, riverside paths, willow sculptures and a bird hide – perfect for short walks and dog walking.
Just south of Durham city centre, Low Burnhall is a 68-hectare woodland managed by the Woodland Trust. A mosaic of ancient sweet chestnut woods, wet woodland, wildflower meadows and riverside paths, it offers peaceful walks, seasonal bluebells, willow sculptures and a bird hide. There’s a free car park, waymarked trails and a small coffee stall on weekends, but no toilets on site. Ideal for dog walking, families and nature lovers seeking a quiet escape close to the city.
A brief summary to Low Burnhall (Woodland Trust)
- South Rd, Durham, DH1 3TX, GB
- +443303333300
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear – paths can be very muddy, especially after rain.
- Bring your own water and snacks; there are no toilets or shops on site, only a weekend coffee stall.
- Take a photo of the trail map at the notice board – signage on some routes can be inconsistent.
- Visit in spring for bluebells and in summer for butterflies and wildflowers in the meadows.
- Use the free car park on South Road; it’s small, so arrive early on sunny weekends.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Durham city centre, head south on the A690 (Crossgate Peth), then turn left onto the A167 (Darlington Road). At the Cock of the North roundabout, take the first exit onto the A177 (South Road). The free car park for Low Burnhall is immediately on the right, just off South Road. The drive takes about 5–10 minutes from central Durham.
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On foot
From Durham city centre, it’s about a 30–40 minute walk to Low Burnhall along the A167 and then South Road. The route is mostly on pavements and quiet roads, but the final approach is along a narrow lane with limited pavement, so take care, especially in low light or wet weather.
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By bus
Local bus services from central Durham stop on the A167 near the public footpath into Low Burnhall. From there, it’s a short walk into the woodland. Check local timetables, as services are infrequent; the journey from the city centre takes around 10–15 minutes by bus plus a 5–10 minute walk.
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By bicycle
Cycling from Durham city centre to Low Burnhall takes about 15–20 minutes on quiet roads and cycle paths. There are no dedicated bike racks at the car park, but bikes can be left securely near the entrance. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines.
Low Burnhall (Woodland Trust) location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Low Burnhall (Woodland Trust)
A woodland mosaic near Durham
Low Burnhall is a 68-hectare (168-acre) woodland just 3 km south of Durham city centre, nestled between the River Wear to the east and the River Browney to the south. Managed by the Woodland Trust, it’s a patchwork of habitats: blocks of ancient sweet chestnut woodland with gnarled veteran trees, areas of wet woodland that support native amphibians, and open wildflower meadows that buzz with insects and attract clouds of butterflies in summer. The site lies within the Burn Hall Conservation Area and an Area of High Landscape Value, making it both a haven for wildlife and a scenic place to walk.Trails, art and riverside paths
The woodland is threaded with a network of maintained paths, rides and open spaces, allowing visitors to wander freely or follow waymarked trails of varying lengths. A flat, accessible Wagonway Trail is ideal for those with limited mobility, while other routes climb gently through the woods and along the rivers. Look out for willow sculptures hidden among the trees, including a striking willow miner figure, as well as stone seats and etched stones where you can pause with a flask. A bird hide overlooks a pond, offering quiet moments for wildlife watching, and there are informal play areas and spots perfect for dog walking and ball games.Seasonal beauty and quiet atmosphere
Spring brings a carpet of bluebells in parts of the woodland, transforming the forest floor into a sea of purple-blue. In summer, the meadows burst with wildflowers and butterflies, while autumn offers golden light filtering through the sweet chestnuts. The site is generally peaceful, with relatively few visitors compared to more central Durham attractions, making it a good choice for those seeking tranquillity. It’s popular with local dog walkers, families and anyone wanting a short, flexible walk in nature without travelling far from the city.Practical details for visitors
Access is mainly through a free car park on South Road (A177), with additional entrances from the A167 (Darlington Road). There are no toilets on site; the nearest public facilities are in Durham city centre. A small coffee stall operates on weekends, selling barista coffee and sweet snacks, but otherwise visitors should bring their own refreshments. Paths can be muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The woodland is open during daylight hours, with no formal opening or closing times, and entry is free for all.For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Nature Escape
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
