Dalby Forest

Section 6 to the start of Section 10 of the Red cycling trail are closed due to forest operations, please follow the sign-posted diversions.

Visitor information

Dalby Forest, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park offers the perfect place to escape, relax and adventure

Home to over 8,500 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest.

A visit to Dalby will uncover many magical things such as The Gruffalo orienteering course, Zog trail, some of the very best mountain biking trails and endless stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, get the adrenaline pumping at Dalby Activity Centre or test your nerve and swing amongst the trees on our Go Ape courses.

Dalby Forest is home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species and is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye. Join our stargazing partners, AstroDog to find out more and book on an event.

If one day leaves you wanting more, join us as a member! With heaps of benefits such as free parking, discounts in the cafe, Go Ape and Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, there's tons of reasons to join. Click here for more information.

Read Dalby Forest's accessibility guide.

Trail map

At a glance

  • 13 walking trails (including easy access)
  • 6 cycling trails
  • 4 running trails
  • Visitor Centre 
  • Shop with eco friendly and exciting retail items
  • Treasure Trail 
  • Stargazing with AstroDog
  • Visitor Centre Cafe
  • Courtyard Cafe
  • 2 play areas
  • Go Ape 
  • Bike shop and hire, including accessible bikes
  • Activity Centre
  • Dogs welcome
  • Barbeques not permitted
  • For filming enquiries, please contact communicationsYFD@forestryengland.uk

What's on

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Forest event

Winter Solstice Yoga Special in Dalby

Wednesday 20 December
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Dalby Forest

Join us on the first floor of the Dalby Forest visitor centre for a winter solstice special evening, including a cacao ceremony, yoga, breathwork, and a relaxing guided meditation that will melt into a sound bath.

We will have yoga mats and blocks available, but please bring your own blankets and pillows if you wish to be warm and snuggled during the guided meditation and sound bath with Julie. After practice, there will be homemade muffins and herbal teas available and time to share any thoughts or feelings surrounding winter solstice.

Only £25 per person, book your place here. 

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Forest event

Forest Runner 5k & 10k running series | Dalby Forest

24 March 2024
9am

Dalby Forest Runner

Be a forest runner and join us in our running series across the nation’s forests this spring. The profits from Forest Runner sales help us grow, shape and care for the nation's forests, now and for future generations.

Whether you are a 5k or a 10k Forest Runner, choose your challenge and enjoy a run in some beautiful surroundings.

Join in the conversation using #ForestRunner

Click here to book 5k tickets

Click here to book 10k tickets

Members get 15% off Forest Runner tickets!

Forest Runner events are managed in partnership with Events of the North.

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Food and drink

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Dalby Forest Cafe 3

Dalby Forest Cafe

Located in the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, the Dalby Forest Cafe is the perfect place to refuel and relax after your forest adventure. Dalby Forest Cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, sweet treats and both hot and cold food to replenish your senses.
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Things to do

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Real Christmas Trees at Dalby Forest

Wrap up warm, pull on your boots and let the fresh winter air fill you full of festive cheer.

Make treasured family moments choosing your perfect Christmas tree with steaming hot chocolate and rosy cheeks. 

Our trees

Nordman Fir: 4 - 10ft Norway Spruce: 5 - 10ft

Our trees are on sale from Saturday 25 November up to Sunday 17 December. 

Trees may sell out before the end date.

Due to operations, tree sales will be unavailable on Friday 15 December from 12pm.

What makes our Christmas trees so special?

Quality: Our high-quality trees are British grown - so you can be proud of your superior quality tree Experience: Choose your tree from a beautiful forest location to kick off your Christmas celebrations  Expertise: With 100 years of forestry experience, our experts can help you choose the right tree for your home Support your forests: The money raised from your Christmas tree helps us maintain the forests for wildlife, for you, and for future generations

 

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Christmas Activities at Dalby Forest

With the jolly man in the red suit on his way, we have a range of activities to get you in the festive spirit. There is something for the whole family!

 

Saving Christmas (Scavenger Hunt)

There are 2 tasks to complete, the first is to collect magical ingredients for Rudolph's supper on Christmas eve - this is what makes him fly! The second is to help fix Father Christmas's sleigh! It's broken down in Dalby Forest and we need your help to get it back in the sky! Search for the missing parts of the sleigh!

Daily from Saturday 25 November up to Christmas In the Visitor Centre

 

Create your own Christmas tree standing decoration (Craft activity)

Daily from Saturday 25 November up to Christmas In the Visitor Centre

 

Decorate the wish tree (Craft activity)

Make paper baubles to hang on our wish tree. Make a Christmas wish!

Daily from Saturday 25 November up to Christmas In the Visitor Centre

 

Christmas Craft Fair

With stalls ranging from wooden gifts to candles, prints, jams and more. There will be plenty to choose from!

Saturday 2 December From 10am - 3:30pm Based upstairs in the Visitor Centre

Stalls

Crocheted decorations Driftwood art and decorations from the Yorkshire coast Cards and prints Dog Treats and wax melts Sewing Vegan candles Tiles Jams Silver jewellery Wire animals Wooden gifts/homeware

 

Christmas Shopping

In our Visitor Centre Shop we have a range of festive items. From local products to wonderful gifts for that special someone.

Why not take a browse? Also, don't forget Forestry England members receive a discount!

Daily from Saturday 25 November In the Visitor Centre Shop

 

Robin's Merry Mission

Follow Robin around the forest as he tries to spread some Christmas cheer and find out what happens in the forest over winter.

This trail starts from the Visitor Centre and finishes in Low Dalby. The route is inaccessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Daily from Saturday 25 November

 

 

 

 

 

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Cycling and mountain biking trails at Dalby Forest

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Dalby Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling. Exploring this stunning forest on two wheels will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

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Dalby Activity Centre

Based just a short walk from Adderstone Field and the World Cup Car Park, Dalby Activity Centre can host an exciting day or half day of outdoor activities including paintball, airsoft, archery and even tree climbing!

Dalby Activity Centre pride themselves on enabling people with a disability to access their activities believing that outdoor adventure should be available to everyone - so give them a ring or call in at the Centre on site to discuss any needs that you or your group may have.

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