Name: Northaw Great Wood
Rating: 5.0

Northaw Great Wood

Northaw Great Wood Country Park, Cuffley, Potters Bar, UK

1-90 Years

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Description

Northaw Great Wood is a magnificent ancient woodland located near Cuffley, Hertfordshire, offering a peaceful escape for families who love the outdoors. Covering over 100 hectares of oak, hornbeam, and birch trees, this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is one of the best things to do with kids in Hertfordshire for those seeking a natural adventure. The park features open bracken glades, gentle streams, and a variety of wildlife, making it a perfect spot for children to explore the beauty of the English countryside.

A visit to this natural haven is incredibly affordable, with entry to the wood being free for all visitors. The only primary cost for families driving to the location is a small parking fee of £1.20, which covers you for the entire day.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh air with a chance to learn about nature, Northaw Great Wood is a top choice. It provides a simple, screen-free environment where children can engage in active sensory play by building dens, splashing in shallow streams, or following waymarked nature trails.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Ancient Woodland Trails: Three waymarked paths of varying lengths that offer an educational day out exploring one of the county's largest historic wood pastures.
Active Sensory Play: Wide-open glades and natural streams provide a perfect setting for children to interact with nature, from leaf-crunching to wildlife spotting.
Wildlife Habitats: The wood is a sanctuary for fungi, butterflies, and various birds, making it a great location for a nature study.

Top 5 Highlights

The Giant Hornbeam Trees: Northaw is famous for its ancient hornbeam trees, many of which have unique, gnarled shapes that look like something out of a fairy tale.
Cuffley Brook: This small stream runs through the wood and is a favourite for kids who want to try bridge-building or see what's living in the water.
The Yellow Trail: The longest of the three waymarked routes (4.3km), this trail takes you deep into the heart of the ancient woodland and is ideal for an energetic family hike.
Bluebell Glades: If you visit in late spring, the woodland floor is transformed by a sea of bluebells, providing a spectacular and colourful backdrop for a walk.
WW2 Anti-Tank Stop Line: History-loving kids can hunt for the remains of the Outer London Anti-Tank Stop Line, which passed through these woods during the second world war.

Detailed Inventory

Named Trails: * Red Trail: 1.1km (approx. 20 minutes) – Best for toddlers.
Blue Trail: 2.2km (approx. 30–40 minutes) – A moderate family walk.
Yellow Trail: 4.3km (approx. 1 hour+) – The most comprehensive route.
Key Landmarks: Middle Way (a wide open ride with glades), Justice Hill, Grimes Bottom, and the Fenced-off Quiet Area.
Beyond the Main Attraction: The nearby village of Cuffley offers local shops and cafes. Hatfield House, a major stately home with extensive gardens and a farm, is only about 4.6 miles away.

Facilities

Toilets: A toilet block is located right next to the main car park.
Food Options: There are no cafes or shops inside the wood. However, there are numerous picnic tables and benches located along the trails.
Buggy Parking: There is no formal buggy parking, but the main trails are wide; however, they can be muddy and uneven, so an all-terrain stroller is recommended.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being "lost in nature" despite being close to London.
The simplicity of the waymarked trails which make it easy to navigate with children.
The excellent value for money, with just a small honesty box payment for parking.

What Visitors Don't Like

The lack of an on-site cafe or snack bar means you have to be fully prepared.
Some trails can become very muddy and difficult to traverse with standard pushchairs in winter.
The car park gates close promptly, and visitors risk being locked in if they don't return to their cars on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers?: Yes, it is a great spot for toddlers. The Red Trail is only 1.1km long, which is a manageable distance for little legs. The open glades allow them to run around safely away from traffic, and the shallow streams are perfect for supervised nature play.
How long does a visit take?: Most families spend between 1 and 3 hours. If you take the shortest trail and a quick picnic, you can be finished in an hour, but exploring the longer Yellow Trail and spending time building dens can easily fill an entire morning.
Where is the best place to park?: The best place to park is the official car park on The Ridgeway. It is conveniently located at the start of all three major trails and contains the only toilet facilities in the wood. It costs £1.20 for the whole day.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Standard Hours: Opens daily at 8:00 am.
Closing Times: 6:00 pm in summer (1st April – 31st October) and 5:00 pm in winter (1st November – 31st March).

Address: Northaw Great Wood Country Park, Cuffley, Potters Bar, UK

Post Code: EN6 4BQ

Council: Welwyn Hatfield

County: Hertfordshire

By Car: Accessible via The Ridgeway (B157). Use postcode EN6 4BQ for navigation.
Parking: On-site car park is available for £1.20 per day. Note the 2.1m height restriction.
By Train: The nearest station is Cuffley, which is roughly a 1.5-mile walk to the pedestrian entrances.
By Bus: The 308 and 380 services stop at the junction of The Ridgeway and Hanyards Lane, about 1.5km from the wood.