Wildlife reserves · London
South London Downs National Nature Reserve
In or near Whyteleafe.
South London Downs National Nature Reserve — 417 hectares along the border of Croydon and Surrey.
Robin Webster — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 2 h–4 h
- Best time of year
- Autumn & winter (migration & wildfowl)
- Nearest railway station
- Whyteleafe · 2.0 km
- Free entry
- Dog-friendly
About
South London Downs National Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in London. Officially recognised as national nature reserve. The site is part of the SOUTH LONDON DOWNS National Nature Reserve. It sits within the Croydon South parliamentary constituency. The nearest railway station is Whyteleafe, about 2.0 km away. Postcode area CR5.
Photo gallery
Official information
The South London Downs National Nature Reserve is a large natural area featuring downlands, open fields, and ancient woodlands. Visitors can enjoy self-guided trails, horse rides, and guided walks throughout the 417 hectares of countryside.
Protected designations
- National Nature Reserve: SOUTH LONDON DOWNS
Designations sourced from Natural England open data under OGL v3.
Place summary
South London Downs National Nature Reserve is a wildlife reserve located in the London region, specifically within the unparished area of Croydon (postcode CR5). Designated as a national nature reserve, it is recognised for its significant ecological value and diverse habitats.
AI-generated from the structured facts on this page (operator, designation, listing, era). Not a substitute for visiting.
- Coordinates
- 51.3067, -0.1091
- District
- Croydon
- Parish
- Croydon, unparished area
- Postcode
- CR5 1JP
- Parliamentary constituency
- Croydon South
- Phone
- 0208 726 6000
- Nearest railway station
- Whyteleafe — 2 km
- Official site
- www.croydon.gov.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q105813122 (CC0)
Other places nearby
Dollypers Hill Nature Reserve
Forests & woodlands · 0.6 km
Church of St John the Evangelist
Historic churches · 0.6 km
Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley
Archaeological sites · 0.6 km
Old Coulsdon
Chapels · 0.7 km
RAF Kenley Tribute
Memorials & monuments · 0.8 km
Old Coulsdon War Memorial
Memorials & monuments · 0.8 km
.jpg?width=1200)
Group of seven World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley
Archaeological sites · 1.1 km
Happy Valley Park
Country parks · 1.3 km
Kenley Common
Country parks · 1.3 km
Hawkhirst
Country parks · 1.6 km
Chapel Of St Michael The Archangel, Caterham Guards Depot
Chapels · 1.8 km
Whyteleafe
Towns & cities · 1.8 km
Nearby
📷 5Forests & woodlands · London
Dollypers Hill Nature Reserve
Dollypers Hill Nature Reserve is a forest or woodland in the United Kingdom.
📷 5Historic churches · London
Church of St John the Evangelist
Church of St John the Evangelist — Grade I listed church in Old Coulsdon, London Borough of Croydon, United Kingdom.
📷 5Archaeological sites · London
Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley
Group of four World War II fighter pens at the former airfield of RAF Kenley — archaeological site in London Borough of Croydon, Greater London, England, UK.
📷 5Chapels · London
Old Coulsdon
Old Coulsdon — a methodist chapel in england-london, United Kingdom.
📷 5Memorials & monuments · London
RAF Kenley Tribute
RAF Kenley Tribute is a memorial in the United Kingdom.
📷 5Memorials & monuments · London
Old Coulsdon War Memorial
Old Coulsdon War Memorial — Grade II listed building-listed memorial in england-london, United Kingdom.
Where to eat & stay near South London Downs National Nature Reserve
Places to stay
📷 5
📷 5Campsites · South East England
Roverdene
Roverdene — a campsite in england london.
📷 5Campsites · London
Banstead & District Scout Campsite
Banstead & District Scout Campsite — a campsite in england london.
📷 7Hotels · London
London Croydon Aerodrome Hotel, BW Signature Collection
London Croydon Aerodrome Hotel, BW Signature Collection — a hotel in england london. 4-star. Brand: Best Western.
📷 5
📷 5Campsites · London
Bears Wood Scout Campsite
Bears Wood Scout Campsite — a campsite in england london.
Places to eat & drink
📷 5
📷 5Historic pubs · South East England
The White Hart
The White Hart in England South East, United Kingdom.
📷 5Historic pubs · South East England
The Prince Albert Public House
The Prince Albert Public House in England South East, United Kingdom.
📷 5Historic pubs · London
26 And 28, High Street
26 And 28, High Street in England London, United Kingdom.
📷 5Restaurants · South East England
Côte Brasserie
Côte Brasserie — a restaurant in england london. Cuisine: french. Brand: Côte Brasserie.
📷 7Historic pubs · South East England
The Bull's Head Inn
The Bull's Head Inn in England South East, United Kingdom.
More places in this region
Flagship📷 10Wildlife reserves · London
Bedfords Park
Bedfords Park — Havering London Borough green landscape, also an Essex Wildlife Trust Nature reserve.
Flagship📷 10
Flagship📷 10Wildlife reserves · London
Bramley Bank
Bramley Bank — Nature reserve in Upper Shirley.
Flagship📷 10Wildlife reserves · London
Chafford Gorges Nature Park
Chafford Gorges Nature Park — Essex Wildlife Trust Nature reserve.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is South London Downs National Nature Reserve?
- South London Downs National Nature Reserve is in London, United Kingdom (postcode CR5 1JP), in the parish of Croydon, unparished area.
- What is South London Downs National Nature Reserve?
- South London Downs National Nature Reserve — 417 hectares along the border of Croydon and Surrey.
- How do I get to South London Downs National Nature Reserve?
- The nearest railway station is Whyteleafe, about 2.0 km away. Drivers can use postcode CR5 1JP.
- Is South London Downs National Nature Reserve a listed building?
- South London Downs National Nature Reserve is officially recognised as national nature reserve listed.
- Is South London Downs National Nature Reserve a protected site?
- Yes — South London Downs National Nature Reserve is part of the SOUTH LONDON DOWNS National Nature Reserve.
- Is South London Downs National Nature Reserve free to visit?
- Yes, South London Downs National Nature Reserve is free to enter.
- How do I get to South London Downs National Nature Reserve?
- The nearest railway station is Whyteleafe, about 2.0 km away. Drivers can navigate to postcode CR5 1JP.
- Are dogs allowed at South London Downs National Nature Reserve?
- Most wildlife reserves allow dogs on lead only, with restrictions during ground-nesting bird season (March-July). Check signage at the reserve.