Access to Heartwood Forest

Our accessibility statement outlines the available facilities and access information for Heartwood Forest.

► Download the full Heartwood Forest access statement for more information (PDF, 1.6MB)

Before you arrive

Heartwood Forest is close to St. Albans, Hertfordshire, on either side of the B651 between Sandridge and Wheathampstead Village. At 858 acres, there are multiple entrances to the site all linking to either bridleways or public or permissive footpaths. If you are visiting Heartwood Forest for the first time, we recommend you use the main car park entrance so that you can view our information boards and site map. Alternatively, if you are in Sandridge you can follow one of the recommended self-guided walks from local businesses.

Path notice

Some of our hard surfaced footpaths have deteriorated due to recent heavy rainfall. This may mean the route is more difficult for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

We're aiming to repair the path as soon as possible. Please bear with us while we undertake this work and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Arrival and car park

The free car park at Heartwood Forest provides parking for 55 cars, with five designated for blue badge holders. These spaces are clearly marked with a blue badge logo. There are no time restrictions on length of parking for visitors to the site, allowing you plenty of time to explore Heartwood. Just be sure to check the car park closing times on our Facilities page or in the full access statement below.

The car park surface is compacted stone, but has some potholes. An additional overflow car park is used on an ad hoc basis for events and exceptionally busy days – this is flat but the surface is grassed. In adverse weather conditions it can be slippery, muddy or even waterlogged.

Eight bicycle stands are available for use during your visit. They are located in front of the visitor welcome and information point.

Facilities

Our nearest public toilets to Heartwood Forest at Sandridge Village Hall are currently closed. No baby changing facilities are available.

Footpaths and difficulty

There is a developing network of paths in Heartwood Forest including a public footpath and two bridleways. The majority of the paths are unsurfaced and can become muddy or slippery during wet weather, so please be careful and bring appropriate footwear, if necessary. There are some moderate gradients leading up from Sandridge village where facilities can be found.

► Download the full Heartwood Forest access statement for more information (PDF, 1.6MB)