Best natural monuments around South Mimms include diverse natural features within a landscape that offers both tranquil escapes and historical interest. The area is characterized by its green spaces, such as the Wash Lane Common Nature Reserve, a 3-hectare common land. Mimmshall Brook, a geologically significant stream, runs through the region, supporting local wildlife. These natural settings provide opportunities for walks and nature observation.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Also worth visiting Pear Wood, which is an extension of Stanmore Park. Full of bluebells and there is a large lake
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The ghost of Geoffrey De Mandeville, Earl of Sussex and Hertfordshire and Constable of the Tower of London has been haunting the Moat since the 12th Century. He was arrested for treason and hid his treasure down a very deep well which he guards. Many have tried to find the well but so far none have succedded
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The moat’s main use was probably defensive. One use of the lodge would have been to detain individuals who had broken the harsh forest laws. The moat would also have helped to drain the site, been used for rubbish disposal and possibly for keeping fish.
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Poor quality excavations in the late 1880s and again in 1923 suggested that the lodge was quite substantial, with rubble masonry walls and glazed floor tiles in some rooms. The name Camlet remains a mystery. It first appears in local records in 1440 AD. The moat was originally crossed by a wooden drawbridge, the base frame of which was lifted in 1923 and recorded in 1949. A small piece found recently was dendro-chronologically dated to c.1357.
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So is this the ancient Weald Stone? Ultimately, we cannot be 100% certain that the lump of rock outside Bombay Central (the former Red Lion) is the same stone that gave Wealdstone its name. However, its location on the High Road matches up persuasively with the Tudor rolls. A 1948 study by the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society puts the connection "beyond all reasonable doubt". That's good enough for me. Despite the recognition by Historic England as a Grade II-listed "building", the stone sits on the pavement without any form of plaque or interpretation board. That's a pity, but it also adds to the enigma of this curious piece of stone.
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Read all about it here: https://londonist.com/london/secret/harrow-wealdstone
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As you walk through Trent Country Park, you might not be expecting to come across a medieval moat. But that's exactly what you'll discover. Probably built in the 14th century, there was once a lodge here that may have been used to detain those who broke forest laws. There was a wooden drawbridge to cross the water.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the panoramic views from London Viewpoint at Wood Farm, which offers vistas of Heathrow Airport and Central London. Another popular spot is Gobions Wood Nature Reserve, known for its seasonal blooms and diverse fungi.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. London Viewpoint at Wood Farm is great for a family day out with trails to explore. Gobions Wood Nature Reserve offers beautiful woodland walks, and Myddelton House Gardens provides extensive historical gardens with facilities like a tea room and museum.
The Gobions Wood Nature Reserve is home to diverse fungi in autumn and vibrant bluebells and wood anemones in spring. At Wash Lane Common Nature Reserve, you might spot local wildlife along the Mimmshall Brook, including kingfishers or even grass snakes, and various species around the seasonal pond.
Yes, the area features several sites with historical significance. Camlet Moat is a medieval moat within Trent Country Park, dating back to the 14th century. Myddelton House Gardens is a Grade II-listed historical site with gardens connected to the New River aqueduct. Additionally, The Weald Stone is an ancient, Grade II-listed stone that gave the nearby area its name.
The South Mimms area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, including moderate trails. For cyclists, there are options for gravel biking. If you prefer gentler walks, explore the easy hikes available.
Wash Lane Common Nature Reserve features a 500-meter easy-access trail, perfect for short, tranquil walks. The Weald Stone is also noted as wheelchair accessible. For more options, you can explore the easy hikes around South Mimms.
The Mimmshall Brook runs through the Wash Lane Common Nature Reserve and is a key natural feature. It's geologically significant because it flows towards the Water End Swallow Holes further north, where it disappears underground into a series of sinkholes, a rare hydrological feature in southern England.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse experiences offered. Many enjoy the expansive views from London Viewpoint at Wood Farm, especially at sunset or night. The tranquility and seasonal beauty of woodlands like Gobions Wood Nature Reserve are also highly valued, as are the historical and botanical delights of Myddelton House Gardens.
Yes, Wash Lane Common Nature Reserve offers benches and picnic tables along the Mimmshall Brook, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic amidst nature. The London Viewpoint at Wood Farm is also a great place to enjoy snacks with a view.
In autumn, Gobions Wood Nature Reserve is known for its diverse fungi. Myddelton House Gardens also transforms, with its grounds subtly shifting to hues of gold, orange, and red, offering a beautiful autumnal display.
The Wash Lane Common Nature Reserve provides a wild and undisturbed 3-hectare common land, offering a significant natural escape from the bustle of nearby motorways. It's a wildlife-rich sanctuary perfect for peaceful walks and nature observation.
Yes, Myddelton House Gardens is a historical site that includes a tea room, a visitor centre, and a museum, providing amenities for a comfortable visit.


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