Top 6 Natural Monuments around Gerrards Cross
Best natural monuments around Gerrards Cross encompass diverse natural areas offering tranquility and recreational opportunities. The region features significant green spaces such as Gerrards Cross Common, a 32-hectare common with grasslands, woodlands, and ponds. Nearby, Bulstrode Park provides a substantial 140-hectare estate with undulating terrain and mature woodlands. Ruislip Lido, a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches, is surrounded by an extensive National Nature Reserve, offering numerous nature trails.
Best natural monuments around Gerrards Cross
- The most popular natural monuments isβ¦
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Cock Marsh Wetland Walkway
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Burnham Beeches
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Cliveden War Cemetery and Memorial Garden
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Fountain of Love
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Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve
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Clivden is a gem. A glorious stately home converted to a hotel and many an event.
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The ancient woodland here is the largest in Greater London. It feels like a real forest, yet within the city. It is quiet and calm, even when the lido is busy on hot summer days. There is a cafe at the lido for refreshment before, during or after your hike.
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Burnham Beeches is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve, and Special Area of Conservation thanks to its ancient beech woodland and rich wildlife. More than sixty species of plants and animals that call the 927-acre (375 ha) site home are rare or under threat. The historic woodland is also home to relics of times gone by. Located in the southwest of the woodland, you can visit Seven Ways Plain hill fort which dates to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Neighbouring film studios have used the Beeches as a shooting location in various productions such as Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Goldfinger, and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
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When the First World War broke out, Cliveden was a grand country estate well known for its exclusive parties and famous guests, yet within months it was offering a lifeline to Allied troops injured during the fighting. A helping hand At the beginning of the war, after failing a medical assessment to join the army, Waldorf Astor (later 2nd Viscount Astor) offered part of the Cliveden estate as a hospital to the British Army. They turned down the offer after deciding it would be too difficult to adapt to their needs but, determined to help, he offered the land to the Canadian Red Cross who accepted. As a result, the Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital was opened to treat injured allied troops of the First World War. Bedside manner In 1915 the hospital could hold up to 110 patients at any one time but by the end of the war, this number had risen dramatically to 600. Nancy Astor was often seen helping out in the hospital and it is said that her personality and great vigour worked wonders on the patients. Many ministers and royals also visited the hospital including Winston Churchill in May 1915 and King George V in July 1915. In memory Of the 24,000 troops treated at the hospital only a relatively small number died. In 1918, the 1st Viscount Astor's sunken Italian garden was adapted to create a memorial garden for the deceased. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/first-world-war-at-cliveden
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The Fountain of Love is a two colour marble sculpture by Thomas Waldo Story. It was commissioned by Lord Astor in 1897. The shell dish features three groups of statues which are all signed and dated by the sculptor. The shell was made from two large antique marble blocks joined together and based on tufa rock. Carrara marble figure of a half-fallen woman with very long wavy hair, arms outstretched to welcome cupid. Left figure from the monumental, two-colour marble group, The Fountain of Love, designed and carved in Rome by Thomas Waldo Story (1855-1915) son and pupil of the American dilettante sculptor William Wetmore Story (1819-95). The figures are signed and dated 'Waldo Story Roma 1897'. http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/766173.1
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The wetland meadows of Cock Marsh are very important for rare plant species, breeding waders and overwintering birds. Part of the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The steep chalk grassland swiftly changing into marshy, acid meadows has created an ecosystem of rare and interesting species. As part of the historic channel of the Thames, the ponds here support specialist plants like water violet, marsh arrowgrass, marsh stitchwort, marsh pennywort and water hemlock. The rare sedge Cyperus fuscus (brown galingale) is found here and in only a handful of other sites in Great Britain. It relies on cattle to tread or poach the ground on the pond edges to create the perfect habitat to grow. The cattle here work hard to help to maintain a rich botanical diversity of grassland habitat. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maidenhead-and-cookham-commons/trails/cookham-and-cock-marsh-walk
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I discover around Gerrards Cross?
The region boasts diverse natural features. You can explore the ancient beech woodland and rich wildlife at Burnham Beeches, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Cock Marsh Wetland Walkway offers a unique ecosystem of chalk grassland and marshy meadows, home to rare plant species and birds. Gerrards Cross Common features woodlands and ponds, including Latchmoor Pond, known for the rare water plant *damasonium alisma*. Additionally, Ruislip Lido provides a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches, surrounded by extensive woodlands.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Gerrards Cross area?
Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. Burnham Beeches is family-friendly, offering space to explore ancient woodlands. Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, which surrounds Ruislip Lido, is also family-friendly with nature trails. Gerrards Cross Common is a popular spot for families, offering space for walking, cycling, and picnics.
What historical sites are integrated with the natural monuments around Gerrards Cross?
The area beautifully blends natural beauty with history. Burnham Beeches is not only a natural monument but also a historical site, featuring a Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age hill fort. You can also visit the Cliveden War Cemetery and Memorial Garden, a poignant historical site set within a natural landscape, commemorating those who served in WWI. The Fountain of Love at Cliveden is another historical monument, a beautiful marble sculpture from 1897.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Roughwood Lane β Chalfont St Giles Country Lane loop' or 'Marlow Suspension Bridge β Dolesden Lane loop'. For gravel biking, explore routes such as 'Black Jack's Mill loop'. Running enthusiasts can find trails like the 'Birch Wood loop' or 'The Apple Tree β Gerrards Cross Common loop'. Find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Gerrards Cross, Gravel biking around Gerrards Cross, and Running Trails around Gerrards Cross guides.
Are there good walking trails near the natural monuments?
Absolutely. Cock Marsh Wetland Walkway is a designated trail offering an intermediate walking experience through unique wetland meadows. Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve provides numerous nature trails for exploring ancient woodlands. Gerrards Cross Common is also ideal for leisurely walks. For more structured routes, check out the Running Trails around Gerrards Cross guide, which includes walking-friendly paths.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Gerrards Cross?
The natural monuments around Gerrards Cross can be enjoyed year-round, each season offering a different charm. Spring brings blooming flora, especially at places like Cock Marsh Wetland Walkway. Summer is ideal for picnics and enjoying the open spaces of Gerrards Cross Common or the sandy beaches of Ruislip Lido. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage in woodlands like Burnham Beeches and Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. Even in winter, the quiet, calm forest environments offer a peaceful escape.
Are the natural monuments around Gerrards Cross accessible by public transport?
While specific public transport routes vary, many natural areas around Gerrards Cross are reachable. Gerrards Cross Common is centrally located within the town. Ruislip Lido, which borders Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, is accessible via local bus services. For detailed travel information to specific sites, it's recommended to check local transport schedules.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments?
Many natural monuments in the area are dog-friendly. Gerrards Cross Common is a popular spot for dog walking. Burnham Beeches and Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve generally welcome dogs, though it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or rare plants, and to check specific site regulations for any restrictions.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The natural monuments are rich in wildlife. Burnham Beeches is known for its diverse wildlife, including rare or threatened species. The Cock Marsh Wetland Walkway is crucial for breeding waders and overwintering birds, as well as rare plant species. Ruislip Lido and its surrounding woods are excellent for birdwatching, and the various woodlands are home to common woodland creatures.
Are there cafes or refreshment options near these natural monuments?
Yes, you can find refreshment options. Ruislip Lido, adjacent to Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, has a cafe. Gerrards Cross itself offers various cafes and pubs. For other locations, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby villages or towns before your visit.
What makes Bulstrode Park a significant natural area?
Bulstrode Park, a substantial 140-hectare estate near Gerrards Cross, is significant for its undulating terrain, mature ornamental woodlands, and expansive pastures. Located within the picturesque Chiltern Hills, it offers a rich landscape for appreciating local flora and topography, providing a tranquil natural escape.
What is special about Ruislip Lido?
Ruislip Lido is unique for its 60-acre lake with sandy beaches, offering a seaside-like experience inland. It is surrounded by the extensive Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, providing numerous nature trails. While swimming is not permitted, it's a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, picnics, and peaceful walks.
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