Broxbourne Woods Sculpture Trail

Broxbourne Woods is a beautiful area in Hertfordshire, England. It's a National Nature Reserve and part of the largest remaining tract of natural woodland in the county. The woods are known for their diverse wildlife, ancient trees and lovely walking trails, including sculpture trails that add an artistic touch to the experience.

It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, or even spotting deer if you’re lucky. There are also seasonal bluebell displays in some parts of the woods, which are breathtaking. When we were living in Enfield, we visited Broxbourne a few times and on one occassion we did the sculpture trail.

During our visit to Broxbourne Woods, we explored the sculpture trail, a lovely and accessible walk through the heart of this National Nature Reserve. 

The trail is about 1 km long, making it a manageable and enjoyable stroll for most visitors. The path is designed to be wheelchair-friendly, with an anti-clockwise route recommended for easier navigation. Along the way, there are regular rest stops and even a hand-railed bridge, which adds a touch of charm to the experience.

The sculptures along the trail were fascinating and told stories about the woods and their history. We came across a life-sized Roman soldier standing guard near what was once Ermine Street, an ancient Roman road. 

There was also a wild boar sculpture, a reminder of the animals that once roamed these woods, and a peasant woman and child gathering wild fruits, which added a historical touch. 

One of our favorite spots was the stag sculpture, perfectly placed to surprise walkers as they crossed the bridge. 

Each piece of art felt thoughtfully integrated into the surroundings, encouraging us to stop and appreciate the beauty of the woods.

Getting to Broxbourne Woods was straightforward. The reserve is located in Hertfordshire and can be accessed by car or public transport. There are two car parks—Broxbourne East and West—with disabled parking available. If you're traveling by train, Bayford Station is the nearest stop, and from there, it's a short journey to the woods. For those driving, the car parks connect to the trail, making it easy to begin the walk right away.

Tip: If you have time after the walk in Broxbourne Woods, head to the nearby historical town of Waltham Abbey (under 20 minutes by car). You can visit the Waltham Abbey Church and ruins, the Royal Gunpowder Mills, walk down the pedestrianised Sun Street and grab a bite at the Welsh Harp public house.