Explore 35.9 hectares of woodland, meadows and streams with family-friendly circular walking routes through ancient forests and diverse wildlife habitats.

Ham Woods Local Nature Reserve covers 35.9 hectares (approximately 36 full-sized football pitches) located just south of the A38 in Plymouth. This beautifully managed reserve features diverse habitats including ancient woodland, rough grassland, hedgerows, meadows and a babbling brook. The site has been improved with quality paths and new signage designed by local schoolchildren, making it accessible for families of all ages. Visitors can enjoy two circular walking routes—the Blue and Red routes—each taking about 30 minutes of relaxed walking through the reserve. Ham Lane provides a flat, firm 750m path between entrances, perfect for pushchairs and younger children. The reserve showcases remarkable biodiversity with more than 200 plant species and almost 80 bird species recorded, including buzzards, bluebells and rare orchids. Highlights include a wildflower meadow, historic orchard, beautiful stone seating sculpture by international artist Peter Randall-Page, and signs of an 18th-century water channel. The site is perfect for families seeking outdoor nature activities, with benches throughout, connections to the wider Co-op Way 14-mile walking trail, and opportunities to join the Friends of Ham Woods volunteer group. Dogs are welcome throughout the reserve (though must be kept out of stream areas and under control). The reserve earned the Green Flag Award and offers free access with no entry fees, making it an ideal destination for families wanting to explore nature, learn about wildlife and enjoy peaceful woodland walks.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

A

A D

5 months ago

Bit too much dog poo lying around but a nice place to walk your dog otherwise

K

Kerry Hard

3 years ago

A beautiful woodland walk, all but on our doorstep. Had a lovely walk there today.

D

D S

4 years ago

Beautiful spot for a walk with the family. Lots of nice walker's too with a very friendly atmosphere. This would be a 5 star if it wasn't for the dog fouling around this woods. Sadly this place has been let down due to bad dog owners.

S

Sarah Lane

5 years ago

A really nice place to go for a walk. So much to see and take some great photos. Will go there again.

L

Luke's world photography

5 years ago

Welcome to ham woods. This is a lovely woodland area with a stream running through it. You can often hear parrots and other birds and wildlife in the woods and great to get children interested in wildlife. There is a little waterfall and pool area hidden in the woods so go find it 😀. The downsides are there are no toilets on site neither is there any designated disabled parking although lots of road side parking available. Limited to wheelchair users except for a few parts which are tarmac/concrete. This reflects to my 3 star rating.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026