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In this article we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Center in Sheffield in 2026. This is also called the JG Graves Woodland Discovery Centre.
The Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre is a sustainable community project, cafe and visitors centre located in a beautiful section of woods in south Sheffield. The main attraction is the cafe which serves a range of drinks, cakes and food. This is also the perfect base for some very beautiful woodland walks.
We have visited many times and highly recommend a visit if you’re planning to go to Ecclesall Woods. However, there are some things you need to know before you go. In this article we’re going to share everything you need to know about the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre: location, prices, how to get there, what to expect and what to do to help you plan your trip.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to Ecclesall woods walks. Also don’t miss the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet near the Ecclesall woods.
Where is the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre located?
The Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre (also known as JG Graves Woodland Discovery Centre) is located in Ecclesall Woods on Abbey Lane, to the south of Sheffield. The centre is a few hundred metres from the main road and there is a small driveway leading to the centre at the carpark.
How much does it cost to visit the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre?
It is free of charge to visit the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre. The only thing you need to pay for is drinks and food from the cafe. You can visit the centre and and talk walks around the woods for free.
Discovery Centre opening hours
Open from 10am – 3pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays. The car park closes at 4pm (if you plan to go for a walk past 4pm we recommend parking in the laybys on Abbey Lane)
How do you get to the Discovery Centre at Ecclesall Woods?
You can drive to the Woodland Discovery Centre. There is an onsite car park and also plenty of parking in the laybys along Abbey Lane. You can also take a bus to the woodland discovery centre: the number 97 and 98 bus runs along Abbeydale Road South. Get off the bus at Abbey Lane and walk up the hill (to the west) for around 10 minutes. The entrance to the Discovery Centre is on the left.
Is there parking at the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre?
Yes, there is a car park located at the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre. The car park is generally not too busy – however on weekends and spells of good weather it may be busy. There is also plenty of parking available in several laybys along Abbey Lane (which are very close to the Discovery Centre).
The car park is free of charge; However, you can make a donation to use the car park. They suggest a donation of 70p for up to 1 hour and £2.80 for all day parking. The car park is open from 9am – 4pm. The car park gate is closed at 4pm, so if you are planning to stay past 4pm we recommend parking in the laybys along Abbey Lane.
What can you do at the Discovery Centre?
The main attraction at the Discovery Centre is the lovely little cafe that serves a range of hot drinks, cold drinks, cakes and ice cream. There are outdoor and covered seating areas. From the Discovery Centre you can also do a range of beautiful walks around Ecclesall woods. There are also plenty of groups and events at the Woodland Discovery Centre.
What groups & events run at the Discovery Centre?
There is a wide range of groups and community events at the Discovery Centre: If you have young kids don’t miss the Woodland Toddler Group (Fridays 9.45am). There is also a Growtheatre, yoga sessions, mediation classes, health walks and the weekly ‘Wood Run’.
What’s more there are also Ecclesall Woods craft courses that are based at the Woodland Discovery Centre. Learn everything from bronze smelting to walking stick making and spoon carving. The Sheffield Beekeepers’ Association is also based at the Discovery Centre and sells honey jars in the main building.
They also run a range of seasonal special events: For example, Spring in the Woods (in April) and Feast in the Forest (in October). These special events are free of charge and include free nature activities for kids, guided walks, stalls hosted by local groups and the opportunity to buy traditionally-made woodland products made on site. You can also join a group at the Discovery Centre. There are three main groups here: The Ecology Group, the Archaeology Group and the Footpath Restoration Group.
For more information visit the Friends of Ecclesall Woods website
Is the Discovery Centre family friendly?
Yes, the Discovery Centre is family friendly. This is a great activity for families with kids. The cafe serves food and drinks suitable for kids. They even do babyccinos! There is also a Toddler’s walk at the Discovery Centre every week:
This lovely walk is suitable from toddling, right up to school age. This group meets in the fenced in woodland on the right hand side of the driveway (as you arrive at the Woodland Discovery Centre). The walk runs from 9:45am – 12pm on Fridays. It costs £3 for one child and £4 for two children, cash only, no need to pre- book. The walk includes activities, normally involving singing, mud, sticks and leaves. These walks are not great for prams – so slings are recommended. Also make sure kids are dressed to get wet and muddy.
What is the cafe like at the Discovery Centre?
The cafe at the Woodland Discovery Centre is very nice. We are very impressed with the creativity and freshness of their food and drinks: They serve a wide range of creative hot drinks including teas and coffees. They have a proper coffee machine and can make amazing coffees. The cafe also has fresh cakes and other treats. Drinks at the Discovery Centre typically range between £1.50 – £3 and cakes generally cost around £3 – £4. They also serve hot sandwiches such as toasted cheese sandwiches.
The cafe has several picnic benches outside at the front of the Discovery Centre. There are also some covered tables at the back of the cafe. They may offer table service depending on how busy it is.
What facilities are there at the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre?
Here is a summary of the facilities at the Discovery Centre:
- Medium Size car park
- Toilet block located in the car park
- Notice boards with information about local wildlife and events
- They sometimes sell local art and craft at the cafe
Is the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre Accessible?
The Woodland Discovery Centre has good accessibility. There are dedicated disabled parking spaces available in the car park. The cafe is easily accessible from the car park and there are ramps to the toilets too. There are no dedicated disabled toilets in the block and the toilet block is not very big.
When is the best time of year to visit Ecclesall Woods?
In the Spring (from March to May) you can see Ecclesall Woods come to life, with the emergence of vibrant wildflowers, blossoming trees, and the return of migratory birds. The weather is generally mild, and the woodland atmosphere is fresh and invigorating. You can occasionally hear woodpeckers. During the Summer (June to August) you can enjoy green foliage and longer daylight hours, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and picnicking. The weather is usually warmer, but it can occasionally rain.
We love Ecclesall Woods during autumn (September to November). The woodland transforms into a spectacular display of colours as the leaves turn golden, orange, and red. It’s a picturesque season for walks and photography, particularly during the peak of autumn foliage. Winter (December to February) brings a different charm to Ecclesall Woods. The bare trees create a stark and tranquil atmosphere. While it may be cold, the woodland can be enchanting, especially after a snowfall. It’s a great time for quiet walks and nature observation.
Here is a summary of some of the highlights of Ecclesall woods:
- January – March: The most likely months to experience snow in the woods
- March -April: Some nicer spells of weather and flowers blossom
- First few weeks of May: Bluebell season – very stunning bloom throughout the woods
- August – September: Can get spells of nice weather – oranges and browns autumn colours
- October – November: Chestnut Season, gather chestnuts in the woods
A lovely walk from the Discovery Centre
This lovely walk is around 2km and will take around 30 minutes. The entire route follows a woodland path that is reasonably smooth. There is one section of steps on this route. This would be challenging for a pram. The walk follows woodland trails and has a gentle ascent up a hill. It then follows a ridge and loops back round to the start point. There is some very beautiful scenery along the way.
What other things are there to do near the Woodland Discovery Centre in Sheffield?
Whirlow Farm & Cafe (just up the road from the woods)
Peak District (plenty of lovely walks)
Millhouses park (just down the road from the woods)
