Path through the trees in the Outwoods near Loughborough, Leicestershire

Where to go · Leicestershire

Forest bathing at The Outwoods

110 acres of ancient woodland on the edge of Loughborough, with bluebells on the north side in spring.

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland just south of Loughborough, one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It was given to the people of Loughborough in 1946 by two local benefactors, Allan Moss and George Harry Bowler, and is now looked after by Charnwood Borough Council and the Outwoods Management Committee. Close to town but properly wooded, it is a good choice for a short, slow visit.

Start from the car park, which charges a small daily fee. There is an easy access path with a bird feeding station, and two all-terrain mobility scooters can be booked free through the ranger service. The north side of the wood has a fine spread of bluebells in spring. The site can close in bad weather, and the main car park is closed for improvement works on 9 and 10 November 2026.

Practical

Managed by
Charnwood Borough Council and the Outwoods Management Committee
Parking
Pay car park (day rate); season tickets available
Terrain
Woodland paths and an easy access path
Nearest station
Loughborough, about 10 minutes by car
Facilities
Bird feeding station; free all-terrain mobility scooters (book with the rangers)
Opening and entry
Open access; car park from 6am, may close in severe weather
Official page
charnwood.gov.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Three guides within 15 miles of The Outwoods

More woodlands in Leicestershire

All venues in Leicestershire
Woodland path at Beacon Hill Country Park, LeicestershireBeacon Hill Country ParkCharnwood hilltop woods on ancient volcanic rock, with bluebells and autumn colourQueen Adelaide's Oak, an old oak tree in Bradgate Park, LeicestershireBradgate ParkMedieval deer park in Charnwood Forest, home to red and fallow deerFootbridge among the trees in Burbage Wood near Hinckley, LeicestershireBurbage Common and WoodsCoppiced woods and hay meadow on the edge of Hinckley, with a free car park

Photos: Beacon Hill Country Park, Mat Fascione (CC BY-SA 2.0); Bradgate Park, Mat Fascione (CC BY-SA 2.0); Burbage Common and Woods, Tim Glover (CC BY-SA 2.0).