6.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A broad chalk spur on the edge of London, where open downland, wildflowers and panoramic city views meet a network of paths and bridleways.
Farthing Downs offers a rare-feeling sweep of open chalk grassland within reach of London. Its spring and summer flowers, long views and walking network give it more character than an ordinary urban green space.
Big-sky · Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapDitches Lane, Coulsdon, London
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The experience
Walk the marked paths and bridleways across the downs, looking out for seasonal flowers and the skyline views. Unsurfaced ground can be rough, so check conditions and access details before choosing a route.
Things to do
Walk the Downlands Circular
Start from the car park and choose the 3-mile or 6-mile version of the Downlands Circular Walk.
Look for chalk grassland flowers
In spring and summer, look for orchids, bedstraws, scabious and greater yellow-rattle in the grassland.
Take in the panoramic views
Explore the open downs and look out towards the London skyline.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: a short wander on the downs
- 01
Start from the visitor car park at the southern edge of the site, off Ditches Lane.
- 02
Choose a short section of the marked paths or permissive rides and enjoy the open-downland views.
- 03
In spring or summer, look for wildflowers in the chalk grassland.
- 04
Return to the car park, checking its current closing time if driving.
Half day · Half day
Make a Half Day of It: follow the downs and Happy Valley trail
- 01
Begin at the Farthing Downs car park and follow the Downlands Circular Walk, choosing the 3-mile or 6-mile option according to your time and ability.
- 02
Use the network of marked paths, bridleways and permissive rides to explore the open grassland.
- 03
If you want more context along the way, try the Happy Valley and Farthing Downs Nature Trail, which starts from the car park and is available as an audio trail by mobile phone.
- 04
Allow for rough, unsurfaced ground and check the car park closing time before starting.
When to go
April · May · June · July · Daylight; check car park closing times if arriving by car.
The official visitor information highlights orchids and other chalk grassland flowers in spring and summer. Farthing Downs is open year-round, but the car park closes at dusk.
Paths are largely unsurfaced and the ground may be rough. Check conditions and access information before visiting.
What to look for
In spring and summer, look among the chalk grassland for orchids, bedstraws, scabious and greater yellow-rattle. Take in the panoramic views towards London.
The story
Downland heritage; no specific historical details verified in the supplied evidence.
Best time to go
Spring and summer for wildflowers, including orchids and greater yellow-rattle; the site is open year-round.
Spring and summer are the strongest seasons for wildflowers. Go in daylight and check the car park’s seasonal dusk closing time if driving.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
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
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The City of London says Farthing Downs is open all year. The site has gates at most entrances and unsurfaced paths; check current access information before travelling.
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Parking
Visitor car park at the southern edge of the site, off Ditches Lane. The car park opens at 7am and closes at dusk; check current closing times and parking tariffs before visiting.
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Toilets
Toilet facilities are at the car park. Check current availability before visiting.
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Check current rules and signage before visiting; cattle and sheep graze on site.
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Accessibility
The official visitor information reports disabled access and toilets at the car park. Most paths are unsurfaced, and the ground may be rough; check current access details before setting out.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Farthing Downs
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
