Lose yourself in 214 acres of heath, gorse and coppice encompassing a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ancient woodland and military defences designed to give Napoleon a run for his money. The woodlands of Danbury and Lingwood Commons hide their 107 metre high ridge-top location on one of Essex's highest hills. For centuries, self-sufficient commoners under the Lord of the Manor's watchful eye came here to graze their domestic animals, cutting down scrub and trees for fuel and creating an open landscape. Today we carefully manage the commons in a similar way using simulated grazing by tractor to encourage the growth of rare flora and fauna.
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.
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
Lovely spot for a walk in an established and very peaceful woodland. Good mix of footpaths and bridleways, accessible from several car parks and with a helpful site map at the entrance. Some of the trails are used for mountain biking - there are lots of signs to indicate which ones but do keep your wits about you!
Situated in a great part of the Essex countryside, plenty to do for all. Lots of bike treks, walks, run trails, dog walkers and everything else in between. Kids loved being in the woods and creating their own games...perfect spot to chill and relax for an hour or 2. Defo won't be disappointed.
Awesome place to go mountain biking. The volunteers that look after the place are great bearing in mind it's free space to use. TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME THOUGH.
Nice place, reminds me of Suffolk with the lovely smelling gorse bushes. There are a few free places to park but remember the main car park is locked at the time shown on the signs as you enter. It can get boggy and wet under foot. I don't think there are any toilets or refreshments on site but there is a pub close by. It's Popular with mountain bikers to, treasure island, a small hill in a hollow people used to ride with some good trials for walkers too.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Hiking
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
Hello! I'm your AI guide for National Trust - Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in National Trust Danbury Common The Armoury, Penny Royal Rd, Chelmsford CM3 4JJ
Searching for hotels...
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.
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
Lovely spot for a walk in an established and very peaceful woodland. Good mix of footpaths and bridleways, accessible from several car parks and with a helpful site map at the entrance. Some of the trails are used for mountain biking - there are lots of signs to indicate which ones but do keep your wits about you!
Situated in a great part of the Essex countryside, plenty to do for all. Lots of bike treks, walks, run trails, dog walkers and everything else in between. Kids loved being in the woods and creating their own games...perfect spot to chill and relax for an hour or 2. Defo won't be disappointed.
Awesome place to go mountain biking. The volunteers that look after the place are great bearing in mind it's free space to use. TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME THOUGH.
Nice place, reminds me of Suffolk with the lovely smelling gorse bushes. There are a few free places to park but remember the main car park is locked at the time shown on the signs as you enter. It can get boggy and wet under foot. I don't think there are any toilets or refreshments on site but there is a pub close by. It's Popular with mountain bikers to, treasure island, a small hill in a hollow people used to ride with some good trials for walkers too.
