Queen’s Wood

Can you imagine a place in the heart of London still untouched by the city’s hurried pace? Welcome to Queen’s Wood, a haven of ancient trees, a haven of peace, and a haven for history itself.
This 52-acre woodland, nestled between Highgate, East Finchley, Muswell Hill, and Crouch End, is a timeless treasure. Queen’s Wood, as it is known today, was once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, a vast expanse that stretched far beyond the boundaries of London itself. It is said that during the Great Plague of London, a plague pit was dug within the boundaries of the wood. Though there is evidence suggesting the pit was just beyond the current wood, the story adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding this place.
Imagine the scene in the late 1800s – a peaceful expanse of woodland threatened by urban sprawl. Then, Hornsey Urban District Council, recognizing its importance, intervened. They purchased the woodland from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1898. And it was Princess Helena, Duchess of Albany, who opened the wood to the public, and, in honour of Queen Victoria, it was given its current name: Queen’s Wood.
This ancient oak-hornbeam woodland is a haven for nature. English oaks tower overhead, their branches reaching out to the sky, forming a canopy thick with leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. Beneath the canopy, a hidden world flourishes. Wood anemones, with their delicate white blooms, carpeting the forest floor, are just one of the many wildflowers that call Queen’s Wood home.
Queen’s Wood isn’t just a place of beauty. It’s a living testament to the power of nature. The diverse woodland habitat attracts a variety of species, including an abundance of birds, making the air alive with their songs. Over 100 species of spiders, including a nationally rare jewel beetle, have been spotted in the wood. From the ground-feeding birds, who thrive in the dense undergrowth, to the song thrush, a species sadly declining elsewhere, Queen’s Wood is a haven for the creatures that depend on its tranquillity.
This verdant haven, a short walk from Highgate tube station, promises a peaceful escape from the city’s noise. Come and wander amongst the ancient trees, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the magic of Queen’s Wood for yourself.