Kingley Woods

Kingley Wood stands on a steep hill slope beside the A127 and is visible as you approach Rayleigh from London. This small wood is one of the only surviving ancient woodlands in Rayleigh but it has a rich and varied wildlife and well-documented history. Kingley Wood is made up of a mixture of Oak, Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Ash and Holly. The ground flora is dominated by Bluebells, and home to a small population of Wood Anemone and Yellow Archangel. The woodland is also a local wildlife site.

A woodland walk leaflet is available for Kingley Wood. Unfortunately the leaflet is currently not available to download. A copy of this leaflet can be found in the reception at the Council Offices, South Street, Rochford or in the reception area at the Civic Suite, Hockley Road, Rayleigh. Alternatively it can be requested by filling in the form in Related Content and will be sent to you by post.

Facilities

There are no toilet facilities at Kingley Wood. The closest public toilets is at Crown Hill, Rayleigh (1 mile).

How to get there

Grid Reference: TQ 794 900

Kingley Wood can be approached on foot from Western Road, Eastern Road, Hollytree Gardens or Weir Farm Road, Rayleigh. There is no car parking on site.

Bus

Bus route 1 stops at Rayleigh Weir. Kingley Wood is a short walk from the bus stop. As you leave Rayleigh Weir follow the signs towards Rayleigh on High Road, Rayleigh. Take the 1st left into Weir Farm Road and continue to the end of the road where you will enter Hollytree Gardens public open space. Walk across the open space where it joins the path that leads to the wood (0.62 miles).

Train

The closest train station is Rayleigh on the Southend Victoria line. Kingley Wood is approximately 1.55 miles from the station. As you leave the station follow the signs towards Rayleigh town centre up Crown Hill. Turn right at the junction with Rayleigh High Street. Continue on this road and take the 3rd turning on the right, Great Wheatley Road. At this junction take the short footpath through to Gladstone Road. At the end of Gladstone Road turn left into Eastern Road, at the end of this road you will enter Hollytree Gardens public open space. Continue on the path which turns right and leads into the wood. (1.43 miles).

Alternatively there is a bus stop outside of Rayleigh station. Bus route 1 goes from the station to Rayleigh Weir. Please see the walking directions from Rayleigh Weir under the bus section.