Last Sunday, we set off on a relaxed ramble through one of London’s most beautiful stretches of ancient woodland, starting and ending at Falconwood Station in the borough of Greenwich. This circular route in southeast London took us through Eltham Park North and Shepherdleas Woods, across the historic Oxleas Woodlands, and up to the striking Gothic tower of Severndroog Castle before looping back past garden highlights and panoramic woodland views. It’s a peaceful half-day walk near Shooters Hill that blends rich history, natural beauty, and a few excellent café stops, all within easy reach of central London.
Eltham Park To Oxleas Wood And Severndroog Castle Highlights
We started our walk in Eltham Park North, part of the Green Chain Walk. This section, known as Shepherdleas Woods, offers a tranquil, shady retreat. Bluebells carpeted the woodland floor, casting a soft blue glow beneath tall hornbeam and oak trees. It felt like stepping out of the city and into a hidden forest.
Eltham Park North, along with Eltham Park South, is a proud recipient of the Green Flag Award, recognising its high management and green space standards. The Green Chain Walk winds its way through the park, which features a blend of conservation areas, open grassy spaces, and a pond home to ducks and other wildfowl. Adjacent to the park lies Shepherdleas Wood, a remnant of the ancient Oxleas Wood.
Crossing Rochester Way, we entered the expansive Oxleas Woodlands, where the path begins a steady climb uphill. At the top, we reached the ever-reliable Oxleas Wood Café. I tucked into a hearty plate of well-done fried egg, chips, beans and toast. It was a plate of simple comfort food that hit the spot. You’ll find toilets at this café.
Next came the Castle Wood Rose Garden, a quiet, symmetrical space planted on the long-lost Castle Wood House site. Unfortunately, the roses weren’t in bloom, but I expect they look beautiful when they are.
Instead of taking the steep stairs nearby, we chose a longer, more scenic route that wound through the trees to Severndroog Castle, a fairytale-like Gothic tower hidden deep in the woods. It was built in 1784 to memorialise William James of the East India Company and stands proudly in Castle Wood.
We paused for tea and cake at the castle café, which has both inside and outside seating options (there’s also a toilet available).
Recharged, we finally descended the steps of the terraced garden we’d previously avoided, pausing at the top to glance back through the trees and trace our journey so far.
We passed Jackwood House Garden next, where thoughtful planting supports pollinators and insects. Bug hotels and beetle pyramids are tucked among the greenery, proof that a garden can be both beautiful and ecologically rich.
We made our way back through the heart of Oxleas Wood, one of London’s most ancient and well-preserved woodlands. Located on the southern slopes of Shooters Hill, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Bexley, Oxleas Woodlands is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the London Green Chain Walk.
Helpful Information About Our Walk
The Green Chain walking route passes through Shepherdleas Wood, Oxleas Wood, Eltham Common, Eltham Park North, and Eltham Park South. These woodland and open green spaces are easily reached via footpaths from Rochester Way, Welling Way, and Riefield Road.
Here are a few links for further reading:
Eltham Park North and Shepherdleas Woods
Oxleas Woods, Castle Wood and Jack Wood
We started and finished at Falconwood Station (Zone 4), which is easily reached on Southeastern trains from London Bridge or Charing Cross. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the station to the Green Chain entrance at Eltham Park North. Eltham Station is another option.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Woolwich To Falconwood Capital Ring Walk
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.