Ruislip: Woodland, Lido and History

Ruislip combines nature experiences, family activities and notable historical traces. At its heart is Ruislip Woods, with its ancient natural woodland in Hillingdon, London. Those planning a trip can choose between walks in the countryside, time at Ruislip Lido and cultural discoveries around Manor Farm.

Ruislip Woods and the Lido

Ruislip Woods is a National Nature Reserve with ancient natural woodland. Ruislip Lido is located within this National Nature Reserve and offers woodland paths and family activities. This gives visitors to Ruislip different ways to plan their stay: you can explore the woodland landscape or combine a visit to the Lido with other activities.

Since 2004, the Ruislip Woods Trust has created four self-guided walking routes in Ruislip Woods. These routes are suitable for anyone who wants to discover the surroundings in their own way. A specific choice can therefore be made based on the day of the trip: the focus can be either on the nature experience in the ancient woodland or on combining it with the attractions around the Lido.

Exploring the area on the Ruislip Lido Railway

The Ruislip Lido Railway offers a special way to experience Ruislip Woods. It runs through the ancient woodland of Ruislip Woods. Woody Bay Station is located next to the beach and the children's paddling area. All trains on the Ruislip Lido Railway are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and buggies. Families can therefore combine this outing with time at the beach and paddling area without treating the railway as anything other than a distinct experience in their travel plans.

History at Park Pale and Manor Farm

Away from the woodland paths, Ruislip also has a distinctive historical side. Park Pale has been preserved as a clearly visible earthwork in a public open space. Park Pale is also one of only two parks in Middlesex mentioned in the Domesday Survey. This makes it an interesting stop for visitors who want not only to observe the landscape but also to discover its historical traces.

The Manor Farm House visitor centre is located in the Tudor Manor Farm House. Manor Farm's audio tour covers more than 1,000 years of history across eight different stations and lasts 40 minutes. This ensemble is complemented by The Great Barn at Manor Farm, which is one of the oldest timber-framed buildings of its kind. Those who want to combine culture and nature can include the historic sites in their travel plans alongside a visit to Ruislip Woods or the Lido.

Which accommodation suits your stay?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ruislip, it helps to first decide on your preferred focus. Nature enthusiasts can make Ruislip Woods and the four self-guided walking routes the centre of their plans. For a stay with children, the documented family activities at Ruislip Lido, the paddling area and the suitable trains of the Ruislip Lido Railway can serve as important criteria when planning each day. If you are particularly interested in history, Manor Farm, with its audio tour, the Tudor Manor Farm House and The Great Barn, should be among your considerations. This allows you to choose your accommodation based on the travel experience you would most like to explore in greater depth in Ruislip.

More destinations for your travel plans

If you would like to compare other places alongside Ruislip, you can include the following destinations in your plans: Harefield, Harlington, West Drayton, Harmondsworth, Ickenham, Uxbridge and Northwood.

Back to the main travel overview: Hillingdon.