Burnham Beeches is a site of international importance offering 220 hectares (540 acres) of open space for the public to explore and enjoy. A wonderful place to
visit at any time, the Beeches attracts about 500,000 visitors per year and is busiest in autumn, when many come for the autumn colour.
The network of paths includes informal and “easy access” paths for visitors who prefer a more even surface. In addition, much of the three miles of internal tarmac roads is closed to cars. Less mobile visitors can arrange access to this car-free zone on weekdays by contacting the Burnham Beeches office between 9am and 5pm.
The car parks are opened from 8am and closed at dusk.
Opening times for the Beeches Café, public toilets and Information Point are subject to seasonal variations but in general they are open between 10am and 5pm.
The area has been wooded since the last Ice Age, but today’s landscape was created by people. Indeed, one of the three Scheduled Ancient Monuments shows the area was inhabited as early as the Iron Age. The woodland’s character has also developed through centuries of woodpasture management – where livestock graze beneath trees which are regularly
pollarded (branches cut above head height). The Domesday Book records Burnham Parish as having “woodland enough to feed 600 swine”.
This historic landscape was almost lost in 1879, when it was put up for sale as “land suitable for the erection of superior residences”. Fortunately, one year later, it was bought and preserved by the City of London.
By bus:
Access to Burnham Beeches on public transport is via buses numbers 74 and 40. These services are provided by Arriva, First and Jason Tours.
By train:
Beaconsfield (Chiltern)
Slough (First Great Western)
If travelling by train, bus connections are available from Beaconsfield and Slough.
Full timetables can be obtained from http://www.traveline.org.uk (0870 608 2 608).
By car:
From the M4 follow the A355 north or from the M40 follow the A355 south until you reach Farnham Common. In Farnham Common, turn down Beeches Road. Drive to the end of this road and at the junction go straight ahead into Lord Mayors Drive. Parking is available in several large bays on your left.
Address:
Burnham Beeches Office, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common SL2 3TE (Map)
Website:
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk