Car Hire Forest Hill

Sitting in south-east London with the South Circular (A205) passing right through, Forest Hill blends hilly green outlooks with a quiet urban charm. Forest Hill avoids the bustle of central London, with its 15,000 people, offering a more residential pace that appeals to those who value green space, quiet streets and time outdoors.

Driving into Forest Hill is straightforward, particularly for those coming via the A23 or A20 routes. On dry days, especially spring through early autumn, the leafy hillsides and open spaces make it ideal for an unhurried visit. The area sees mild but changeable weather, so a light raincoat and good walking shoes are sensible inclusions year-round.

Attractions In Forest Hill

Community-run reserves, quiet pockets of history and the enduring presence of the Horniman Museum all give the area a steady sense of place. On a short drive over from Honor Oak Park, we found Forest Hill surprisingly open, with long stretches of greenery and modest weekend markets giving it a calm, local energy.

Horniman Museum And Gardens

We started our day at the Horniman Museum, which remains the centrepiece of Forest Hill. Its natural history collection, eclectic exhibitions and aquarium drew us in for hours but it’s the surrounding gardens that complete the visit. Whether wandering past the conservatory or joining families by the bandstand, there’s a clear sense of space and calm. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm and has its own small car park, though arriving early is wise on weekends. It’s a go-to for residents of Penge looking for a short break with younger children in tow.

Blythe Hill Fields

We drove up to Blythe Hill Fields and were met with one of the area’s best panoramic views. The open grassland, play area and scattered trees make it a year-round favourite for locals and visitors alike. This spot is well known to regulars from Catford who often use it as a quick escape for a morning walk.

Sydenham Hill Wood And Cox’s Walk

Approaching from the Dulwich side, Sydenham Hill Wood quickly feels like a step out of the city. Managed by the London Wildlife Trust, this remnant of the Great North Wood offers walking trails that twist past old railway structures and into dense, quiet woodland.

We took Cox’s Walk, a historic route dating back centuries and ended up spotting a woodpecker mid-tree tap. It’s open at all hours and the shaded paths are especially welcome on hot days. An easy detour for anyone driving in from Crystal Palace, it offers a completely different pace.

One Tree Hill Park

From Honor Oak Rise, One Tree Hill is a short but rewarding stop. The name isn’t just poetic—at its peak, we paused beneath a single oak with views stretching across to the City skyline. There’s a war memorial, traces of an old fort and enough quiet to feel removed from everything below.

Many visitors from East Dulwich find this to be a good first stop before heading deeper into south-east London’s parks and woodlands.

Albion Millennium Green

Albion Millennium Green is easy to overlook from the street but it offers a surprising amount of character for a relatively small space. We saw dog walkers, a group reading aloud under a tree and a few children using the open stretch for impromptu games. There’s a sense of informality here that makes it feel like a shared garden more than a park.

It’s often recommended by folks based in Herne Hill who know where to find the quieter corners of London.

Devonshire Road Nature Reserve

Not far from the main road but entirely removed in atmosphere, this community-run reserve feels like a hidden garden. We dropped in during Sunday opening hours (9am to 5pm) and found a pond surrounded by insect hotels, woodland paths and a small cabin used for educational events.

This spot is a favourite with families and the care taken by local volunteers is obvious in every corner. Tucked within easy reach of Peckham, this reserve sees plenty of day-trippers when the weather holds.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

While technically just outside Forest Hill, Dulwich Picture Gallery was an easy stop by car and absolutely worth it. As the world’s first purpose-built art gallery, it holds works by Gainsborough and Canaletto but what stood out was the quiet ambience and beautifully lit interior.

We paired our visit with a relaxed breakfast at the on-site café and found it refreshingly unhurried. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Dacres Wood Nature Reserve

Dacres Wood has a different rhythm. It’s only open on select days, so planning ahead is essential. We visited during one of its monthly open days and were met with wooden boardwalks, ponds and a tranquil wooded glade. Small but well maintained, it feels far removed from the roads that surround it.

Before heading back to Brockley, we lingered here a while longer, enjoying the unexpected calm.

Garthorne Road Nature Reserve

We joined a weekend open day at Garthorne Road and found it surprisingly varied for its size. There’s a short woodland trail, a wildflower meadow and an ongoing community effort to support biodiversity. It’s not always open but when it is, it makes for a peaceful and informative stop—particularly for children or nature-lovers.

Local Picks Worth Sticking Around For

For brunch or a slow coffee, Canvas & Cream on London Road blends a cosy café with an art space—relaxed, pet-friendly and popular with locals. Just up the road, The Signal pub on Devonshire Road offers hearty pub food, craft drinks and a spacious garden that suits all seasons.

For overnight stays, Premier Inn London Lewisham is nearby with parking and easy access. For something quieter, smaller B&Bs in Honor Oak or Brockley offer a homely, personal feel.