Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve is the largest continuous area of ancient, semi-natural woodland in Greater London. Ruislip Lido lies within the reserve. Woodland walks and family activities are part of what it offers, along with the chance to experience nature in the woods—a side of Hillingdon that can be considered alongside the area’s historic places.

Woodland Walks and Discoveries at Ruislip Lido

Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve has accessible, signposted routes that you can walk in either direction and at your own pace. At Ruislip Lido, the Woodlands Centre offers nature-spotting woodland walks, family walks and craft activities. The Lido also offers woodland walks and other family activities. Walk the Planets starts at the Sun and passes the planets in order, moving outward from the centre.

If you enjoy taking in different landscapes and route lengths while walking, there are several specific options. The Celandine Walk is twelve miles long and follows the River Pinn from Pinner to the Grand Union Canal at Cowley. A 20-mile route runs through the Hillingdon countryside from Cranford to Harefield. The five-mile Willow Tree Wander runs from North Harrow Station to Ickenham Station, following a short section of Yeading Brook. The 3.7-mile West Drayton Walk passes through open, green spaces. The distances provide a direct comparison of the routes’ lengths; the walks also differ in their landscapes and endpoints.

The Celandine Walk also offers clear wayfinding: the route information marks public toilets and railway stations. Signs and waymarkers featuring the Celandine symbol point the way along the route. The H13 bus stops near Ruislip Lido and Ruislip Woods.

Parks, Gardens and Historic Buildings

Cranford Country Park covers 144 acres of woodland, meadows and wetlands. Its historic attractions include a restored 18th-century stable block and the medieval St Dunstan’s Church. Eastcote House Gardens have been at the heart of Eastcote for more than 500 years. They are home to a 17th-century timber-framed stable. Cranford Park thus brings together landscape, church and stable, while Eastcote’s history is reflected in its gardens and a much older timber-framed building.

Manor Farm in Ruislip covers 22 acres and includes historic buildings, archaeological remains and landscape features. An audio tour explores more than 1,000 years of history. Manor Farm is also home to a unique Grade II-listed event venue, one of the oldest timber-framed buildings of its kind. At Hillingdon Museum, you can see an interactive recreation of a Victorian house featuring an original fireplace from the Council’s collection.

Tours and Practical Information

At the Battle of Britain Bunker, a tour descends 76 steps to the original 1940s bunker, followed by a visit to the exhibition. The tour lasts 60 minutes and includes a 45-minute presentation in the Operations Room. Harmondsworth Barn is accessible to wheelchair users.

Hillingdon’s attractions range from signposted woodland walks and strolls to gardens, historic parks and guided visits. Information on route lengths, the different landscapes and the specific content of the tours can help you choose the right outing—whether you prefer to spend time outdoors or explore the history of individual places.

Discover more destinations: Northwood, Harmondsworth, Harefield, Uxbridge, Ruislip, West Drayton, Ickenham, Harlington.

For the wider travel overview: Greater London.