Ryton Wood

Ryton Wood is one of the country's largest surviving semi-natural ancient woodlands, tucked away near Ryton-on-Dunsmore in Warwickshire and a beautiful spot for a family walk in nature.

Ryton Wood | Picturesque Woodland in Coventry

History of Ryton Wood

Arguably the best of the Princethorpe Woods, Ryton Wood covers 85 hectares, has been designated as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), and boasts an extensive list of notable species. Parts of Ryton Wood date back to the 11th century, so the land may have been wooded since the end of the last ice age.

In spring, primrose, wood anemone and yellow pimpernel carpet the woodland floor. The rides through the wood are grassy and bright, bringing extra light for plants such as barren strawberry and common spotted orchid. Broad-leaved helleborine grows well at the dappled edges of the rides, and in the large, clear glades there are fabulous bluebell displays.

What Might You Spot at Ryton Wood?

For bug-lovers there's plenty of variety to be found in the wood, and it's one of the best sites for butterflies in Warwickshire. Species to look out for include white admiral, purple hairstreak and silver-washed fritillary. Regular moth recordings have identified an impressive 570 species in the wood, four of which are nationally scarce.

Accessibility

Paths are wide and mostly flat, but please note they can be wet and muddy in places. Not ideal for a pushchair or wheelchair.

Walking Trails

There's an extensive network of paths and rides in the wood, and visitors are asked to keep to waymarked walks to avoid becoming lost. There's a popular Figure of Eight Walk which is waymarked, with lots to discover along the way.

Dogs

Dogs are permitted in Ryton Wood on a lead.

Parking at Ryton Wood

• Ryton Wood can be accessed via nearby Bubbenhall and Wappenbury nature reserves.

• Alternatively, you can park at Ryton Pools Country Park and just follow the signs to Ryton Wood.

Why Not Also Visit...

If you're heading to Ryton Wood, it's well worth combining your trip with a visit to Ryton Pools Country Park next door, which has play areas, picnic spots and walks around the pools for the whole family. While you're there, pop into Farmers Fayre in the Park, the café at Ryton Pools, open every day from 8am-4pm for breakfast rolls, crepes, toasties and cakes, with no need to book.

FAQs

Where can I park for Ryton Wood?
You can park at Ryton Pools Country Park and follow the signs into the wood. Ryton Wood can be accessed via nearby Bubbenhall and Wappenbury nature reserves.

Is Ryton Wood suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Paths are wide and mostly flat, but they can be wet and muddy in places, so it's not ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Are dogs allowed in Ryton Wood?
Yes, dogs are welcome on a lead.

When's the best time to visit Ryton Wood?
Spring is a highlight, with bluebells, primrose and wood anemone carpeting the woodland floor, while summer is best for spotting butterflies such as white admiral and silver-washed fritillary.

Is there anywhere to eat near Ryton Wood?
Yes, Farmers Fayre in the Park at neighbouring Ryton Pools Country Park serves breakfast rolls, crepes, toasties and cakes every day from 8am-4pm.