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Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood
A superb Cotswold landscape of mixed woodland and open grassland with extensive views
Nr Whiteshill Village, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 6PP
Important notice
There are high winds forecast all day on Saturday 23 of November and the early hours of Sunday 24. We advise you not to walk in the woods during this time.
Opening times for 23 November 2024
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Pay and display ticket machine - £1 for up to 1 hour, £3 up to 3 hours, £4 all day. The pay and display machine accepts coins only. OS SO832086, Coordinates 51.7758140000, -2.2448980000
Dogs allowed
Dogs must be on leads.
Undulating and uneven ground – steep in places. Poor phone signal.
Steps/uneven terrain
The estate is located on the Cotswold escarpment, so the terrain is a mix of exposed hilltops and steep slopes.
By road
3 miles (4.8km) north-west of Stroud, between A419 and A46. Follow Whiteshill/Edge road from Stroud. One mile (1.6km) after Whiteshill village at the top of the hill take left-hand turn signposted to Haresfield. Follow this lane for approx. ½ mile (0.8km) and Shortwood car park is on left-hand side. Take care as it's a narrow entrance
Parking: Small car park - pay and display (National Trust, grid ref SO832086)
Sat Nav: Postcode for car park is GL6 6PP
On foot
The Cotswold Way National Trail crosses the entire estate
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Haresfield with your dog
Haresfield is a one pawprint rated place. Discover views of the surrounding countryside and long walks for dogs and owners, no matter what the season. Find out more to help you enjoy your visit.
Highlights
Countryside
A Cotswold landscape of mixed woodland and open grassland, with extensive views towards the Brecon Beacons
Archaeology
Wealth of archaeological features, including long and round barrows, a hillfort and cross dyke.
Off Road Bean Coffee (not National Trust)
Mobile food and beverage unit serving speciality coffees and teas, hot chocolate and cakes.
Top trails
Trail
Haresfield Beacon walk
See the Haresfield Beacon estate from a different perspective on this substantial walk, taking in memorable views, abundant wildlife, and major archaeological features and monuments.
Trail
Randwick Wood circular walk
Enjoy this short walk through beech and yew woodland, flower-strewn limestone grasslands, and alongside an ancient burial mound.
Eating
Article
Eco-friendly coffee in the Cotswold countryside
Off Road Bean serves Fair Trade coffee from its self-contained Land Rover, using only compostable cups and lids. Find out more about this eco-friendly vendor.
Places to stay
The Little Fleece
A Grade II listed former bookshop in pretty Painswick with limestone fireplaces and rooftop views.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood
Occupying a prominent position on three spurs on the Cotswold escarpment, there are views across the Severn estuary towards the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons. With its dramatic topography, intimate woodlands, extensive grasslands and exposed and wild promontory hill fort the estate offers a variety of contrasting experiences.
The Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the entire estate and there are miles of tracks, so whether you enjoy walking, horse riding or mountain biking, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The wildlife is some of the best in the Cotswolds. Whether it’s the bluebells and spring flower displays in Standish Wood, the veteran beech trees (over 200 years old) in Shortwood or the orchids and butterflies in the limestone grasslands, all reflect its high nature conservation value.
As you stand out on the hill fort look out for the buzzards mewing, gliding and diving and the kestrels hovering and hunting. You'll also find a wealth of archaeological features including long and round barrows, a hill fort and cross dyke; historical monuments over 3,000 years old.
Our work
Article
Managing trees and ragwort at Haresfield Beacons and Standish Wood
Learn about the dangers lurking behind some trees and the ragwort wildflower, and the steps we take to tackle them, from tree surgery and felling to pulling up the plants.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood.