Castle Wood, within the Oxleas Woods area of Shooters Hill, Eltham, London. The supplied map pin is at 51.4662405, 0.0588255
Castle Wood
Ancient woodland
Place photograph
5.9
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.9Castle Wood is part of the ancient Oxleas woodland on Shooters Hill. The wider woods are described by the council as at least 8,000 years old, with oak, silver birch, hornbeam and coppice hazel. Within Castle Wood stands Severndroog Castle, an 18th-century viewing tower built as a memorial to William James of the East India Company.
The appeal here is the meeting of ancient woodland and an unexpected London landmark: a walk through the wider Oxleas woods can lead to Severndroog Castle, set within Castle Wood, with a viewing platform looking across London. The council also identifies a terrace garden and rose garden in neighbouring Jack Wood.
Peaceful · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapCastle Wood, within the Oxleas Woods area of Shooters Hill, Eltham, London. The supplied map pin is at 51.4662405, 0.0588255
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore Castle Wood as part of the wider Oxleas Woods landscape, following the Green Chain Walk where it crosses the site. The council identifies Severndroog Castle in Castle Wood and gardens in neighbouring Jack Wood; check current access, opening and facilities before planning around them.
Things to do
Walk the Green Chain through the woods
The Green Chain Walk runs through the wider Oxleas Woods, Castle Wood and Jack Wood site. Choose a section suited to your time and check the route and access details before setting out.
Visit Severndroog Castle
The 18th-century tower stands in Castle Wood and was built as a memorial to William James of the East India Company. The council says it reopened to visitors in 2014 and has a viewing platform; confirm current opening arrangements before visiting.
Explore the woodland trees
The council describes the wider ancient Oxleas woods as containing oak, silver birch, hornbeam and coppice hazel.
See the gardens in Jack Wood
Neighbouring Jack Wood has a terrace garden and rose garden, according to the council. Check access and seasonal condition before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short woodland and castle visit
- 01
Check current visitor access to Severndroog Castle before travelling.
- 02
Explore Castle Wood and, if accessible, visit the castle’s viewing platform.
- 03
If time allows, continue into the wider Oxleas Woods landscape.
Half day · Half day
Woodland, Green Chain and gardens
- 01
Walk a section of the Green Chain Walk through the wider woodland site.
- 02
Explore Castle Wood and check whether Severndroog Castle is open to visitors.
- 03
Continue to neighbouring Jack Wood to see its terrace garden and rose garden, if accessible.
Verified history
Severndroog Castle, in Castle Wood, was built in 1784 as a memorial to William James of the East India Company. The council says the 18th-century building reopened to visitors in 2014. It also describes the wider Oxleas woods as ancient and at least 8,000 years old.
Hidden details
A memorial tower among the trees — Severndroog Castle is not a medieval castle: the council identifies it as an 18th-century building, constructed in 1784 as a memorial to William James.
Three named woods, one connected site — The council presents Oxleas Woods, Castle Wood and Jack Wood together; the Green Chain Walk passes through the wider site.
When to go
· A clear day is a sensible choice if visiting the castle’s viewing platform; check its current opening arrangements.
The supplied official information does not identify a preferred season. The wider site includes woodland and a rose garden, whose appearance varies through the year.
Check the forecast before visiting. The viewing platform and woodland paths may be less rewarding in poor visibility or wet conditions; path conditions are not specified in the supplied source.
Worth pairing with
Jack Wood terrace garden and rose garden
Neighbouring Jack Wood is identified by the council as having a terrace garden and an attractive rose garden. Confirm access and seasonal condition before making it part of your visit.
Meadow café in the wider Oxleas Woods site
The council describes a café at the top of the hill in the meadow as a popular meeting place. Check that it is currently open before relying on it.
What to look for
Look for the contrast between the woodland setting and Severndroog Castle, the 18th-century memorial tower to William James. In the wider woods, the council names oak, silver birch, hornbeam and coppice hazel. Jack Wood, next door, has a terrace garden and rose garden.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for woodland walks and garden colour; the official source does not specify a best season.
Choose a clear day if you hope to make the most of the views from Severndroog Castle’s viewing platform. The council does not provide seasonal or daily timing advice; check the castle’s visitor arrangements separately.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Castle Wood is included in the council’s listing for Oxleas Woods, Castle Wood and Jack Wood, and the Green Chain Walk runs through the wider site. Check current access and route conditions before visiting; the supplied map pin is a place pin, not a confirmed entrance.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking availability and location are not confirmed in the supplied sources. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The council mentions a café in the meadow at the top of the hill in the wider Oxleas Woods site. Confirm current opening before setting out.
Dogs
Check before visiting; dog rules are not confirmed in the supplied sources.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but does not establish which entrance or the accessibility of paths within Castle Wood. Check the council’s access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Castle Wood
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
