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Stansted Forest
Stansted Forest is a woodland near Westbourne, West Sussex. We rate it Great for off-lead dog walking (91 out of 100): plenty of ground well away from roads, 12 miles of paths and car park.
| Off the lead? | Probably: a walking guide says so |
|---|---|
| Where | Woodland near Westbourne, West Sussex |
| Size | About 900 acres (364 ha) |
| Water for a swim | There's a stream. |
| Parking | There are 3 car parks on or near it. |
| Livestock | None known |
| Ground | It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly chalk, which drains well but can be slippery when wet. |
| Shade | 100% woodland |
What it's like
A huge woodland of about 900 acres, with 12 miles of paths. There's a stream. It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly chalk, which drains well but can be slippery when wet. Most of it is woodland, so there's plenty of shade. A public road runs through it, so take care near the road. There are 3 car parks on or near it.
Dogs
A walking guide says dogs can be off the lead here, but we couldn't find the landowner's own rules.
You're responsible for your dog. Before you let it off the lead, read the signs at the entrance, look out for livestock and roads, and make sure it will come back when called.
Parking
- Car park · Directions
- Locked at 17:30 · Directions
- Car park · free · 292 m from the edge · Directions
Pubs and cafés nearby
- The Pavilion Tea Room · Café · · 0.4 mi from the car park · Directions
From OpenStreetMap. Dog policies only show where someone has mapped them, and they change. Run one of these? Get listed
Questions
Can dogs go off the lead at Stansted Forest?
A walking guide says dogs can be off the lead here, but we couldn't find the landowner's own rules.
Is there parking at Stansted Forest?
There are 3 car parks on or near it.
Can dogs swim at Stansted Forest?
There's a stream.
Are there cows or sheep at Stansted Forest?
We don't know of any grazing livestock, but check the signs and fields when you arrive.
Is Stansted Forest muddy?
It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly chalk, which drains well but can be slippery when wet.
Where this comes from
Estate site welcomes dogs but asks they be kept under control, citing ground-nesting bird and deer disturbance. Other guides mention lead use; no firm lead rule on the official page. Car parks reported open 8am-5pm.
Researched online in November 2026. Nobody from Find Dog Walks has checked this place in person. Mud and shade are estimated from geology and woodland maps.
Something wrong? Open it on the map and use "Report a problem with this page", or email [email protected].