The Outwoods

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood.

The Outwoods consists of a variety of different routes and walks, including an easy access path with a bird feeding station. There is a 24 hour car park for visitors, a children's natural play area and a cafe. The north side of the ancient woodland is home to an display of beautiful bluebells during Spring every year.

The Outwoods is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology. It is also part of the ancient Charnwood Forest and is the most easterly part of the National Forest.

View the Outwoods on Google Maps

The ancient woodland was gifted to the people of Loughborough in 1946 by two local benefactors, Allan Moss and George Harry Bowler, and is managed by the Outwoods Management Committee.

Green Spaces, Charnwood Borough Council
Southfields Road
Loughborough
Leics
LE11 2TT

Please note that the Outwoods will remain closed in times of adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of visitors.

Car parking

The car park costs £2 for the whole day and is open from 6am Monday to Sunday (including Bank Holidays).

Annual season tickets can also be purchased at £80. Season Tickets are valid for 52 weeks from the date of issue and entitle up to two cars per household to be registered for use.

Apply now or for more information on the car park visit The Outwoods car park page.

Additional parking is also available at Nanpantan Sports Ground. Visitors are able to park at the sports ground for free and take a short walk up to the ancient woodland.

Outwoods Visitor Centre and Café

Throughout 2021, the Council converted the old ranger's cottage at the Outwoods into a visitor centre and café.

The new Outwoods Visitor Centre and Cafe is being operated by Olivia's Coffee and Bakery, a local business which has been part of Loughborough for a number of years.

For more information about the project visit the Outwoods Visitor Centre and Café web page.

Children's play area

The Outwoods hosts a natural children's play area which was inspired by the natural elements of the Outwoods. The play area which created in 2019 after the Council secured £140,000 of funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to make some improvements to the woodland.

More information about the improvements can be found on the Improvements to the Outwoods web page.

Accessibility for visitors registered as disabled

Two Tramper mobility scooters are available for use at The Outwoods by people who are registered as disabled.

These scooters are similar to conventional mobility scooters, but are especially designed for use over rugged terrain.

The mobility scooters are available free of charge and may be used at any time that the wood is open but may be limited by volunteer availability.

Both scooters have a conventional handle bar type steering system. The second Tramper, was kindly donated by the Helen Jean Cope Trust.

To book a Tramper Mobility Scooter please call our ranger service on 07434221849.

Dogs

Responsible dog owners and their dogs are most welcome to the Outwoods but must ensure that all fouling is removed and the dog bins provided are used.

Dog owners are reminded that a fixed penalty can be issued to anyone caught not removing and disposing of their dog's faeces properly.

Outwoods Restoration Project

The Council and Outwoods Management Committee have put into place a long-term plan to restore the Outwoods in Loughborough back to its true and natural historic state. More information can be found on the Outwoods restoration project page.