Fineshade Wood

The Tree House play area is temporarily closed whilst we make improvements.

Visitor information

Opening hours

Open every day except Christmas Day.

Weekdays

Monday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9.30am - 4pm

Tuesday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9.30am - 4pm

Wednesday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9.30am - 4pm

Thursday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9.30am - 4pm

Friday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9.30am - 4pm

Weekends

Saturday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9am - 5pm

Sunday
Visitor Centre and Cafe	9am - 5pm

How to find us

Top Lodge, Fineshade, Near Corby, Northamptonshire

Sat Nav Postcode: NN17 3BB

By Car

Fineshade Wood is located just off the A43 halfway between Stamford and Corby. There are brown tourist signs leading up to the site from both directions.

OS Grid Ref

SP980983

Get directions

52.5736775, -0.5563541

Parking and prices

The machines in our main car park accept cards and cash.

Please be aware the machines in our outer car parks are cash only and we are unable to provide change.

You can now use RingGo* at Fineshade Wood which allows you to pay for parking online or via an app. Please download the Ringo App before travelling if you can.

Pay for parking on your phone in 5 easy steps:

1. Open the RingGo app, or download for free if you haven’t already got it, using the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
2. Log in with your RingGo details, or register as a new user.
3. Select your location by entering the 3–6 digit number shown on the parking signs.
4. Enter your number plate and choose how long you’d like to park for. Remember, you can extend this later.
5. Choose to add any handy parking reminders you need, then just tap to pay.

And you’re good to go! Your details are saved so next time, you can park even faster.

If you’re not a smartphone user, you can still use RingGo to pay for your parking by calling 0203 046 0063. You can also register and book parking with RingGo online.

*There is a small convenience charge for using this service. See RingGo online for full terms and conditions and VAT receipts.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Charges for cars, horseboxes, minibuses and motorbikes
Up to 1 hour	£3.00
Up to 2 hours	£5.00
All day	£7.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Coaches - £20 (must book in advance)

Minibuses - £10

Thank you for paying to park. We use the money you spend on parking to look after the nation’s forests. We don’t make a profit and rely on the support of our visitors and members, so every penny you spend is invested by Forestry England back into the management of our woodlands and is needed to make Fineshade Wood a great place for a day out.

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Number of accessible parking spaces: 9

Facilities and access

We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Fineshade Wood without legal restrictions. Please remember to take personal responsibility for your health and hygiene and respect others if they wish to continue with some safety measures, such as wearing a mask or social distancing.
Be kind and patient to our staff, volunteers and onsite business partners. They are working hard to help you to get the best out of your visit.

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

View Accessibility Guide

Accessible toilet

Assistant dogs welcome

Baby changing facilities

Bird hide

Cafe

Cycle hire

Dogs allowed

Information point

Picnic area

Play Area

Toilets

Wildlife hide

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4340

E-Mail Address

fineshade.rec@forestryengland.uk

Wooden fence in front of fresh green field on sunny day

Fineshade Wood

Enjoy a picturesque walk, an exhilarating bike ride or a delicious treat from Grounds Cafe.

Located north of Corby in the Midlands, Fineshade Wood provides a picturesque setting for your next adventure. Whether you want to have a leisurely wander through the trees, get the kids to let off some steam at one of our exciting play areas, go on a bike ride or try one of range of forest activities with Tinder Sticks (pre-booking required). Fineshade Wood is bursting with opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

Pet owners will will be keen to check out Posh Petz in the Courtyard.

At a glance

Join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand new family activity trail and free app at Fineshade Wood

08/03/2023 15:12

Calling all Gruffalo fans - try our fun orienteering or get busy finding all the characters on your next visit! Take a look at our Gruffalo activities here.

09/01/2023 08:09

Please bear with us whilst we have some building works completed! Our toilets, courtyard, café and pet store will remain open but please follow all safety signage. Bike hire will be unavailable at this time. All works should be completed by mid-June.

16/05/2023 12:33

Things to do

See more things to do

Family cycle trail at Fineshade Wood

If you are looking for a safe, off-road and family friendly cycle route then come to Fineshade Woods. The easiest of our routes is five miles which starts and finishes at the top of the main car park, close to the visitor centre.

If you follow the green cycle waymarkers, you will find yourself cycling through a large part of our woodlands. There are some gentle-to-moderate hilly sections which are easy to take at your own pace.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, have a go at the slightly more challenging 'Blue' graded taster sections that run alongside the route. There are seven sections in all and they are a great way for all the family to improve skills and have some off-roading fun.

To find out about cycle hire, tag-a-longs, electric or adaptive bikes, contact our on-site bike hire specialists.

Have you seen our brand-new Forest Rider pack? Perfect for children aged 7-12 to hone their cycle skills and help them take to the trails this summer - find out more.

Find out more

Walking trails at Fineshade Wood

Venture deep into the woodland at Fineshade Wood. With an easy access trail and two longer trails to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Find out more

5k Running Trail

Set on surfaced forest roads, the 5k running route covers mostly level terrain with the occasional gentle slope. The trail is mostly clear and open but has shaded areas. This route is shared with other users including cyclists and horse riders. Follow the brown waymarkers.

Find out more

Caravan and motorhome club at Fineshade Wood

Extend your woodland adventure with an unforgettable nights stay in the forest.

At Fineshade Wood, we have a Caravan and Motorhome Club which is open to members and non-members alike.

Just visit the Caravan and Motorhome Club website for more information and to make a booking.

Find out more

Nearby forests

Wakerley Great Wood

There are numerous informal trails and paths along the forest roads and tracks, some surfaced, some not.

The car park is set amongst majestic larch and includes a large grassed area for games and picnicing.

Find out more

Fermyn Woods

Play, walk, run or ride your way round Fermyn Woods, a stunning ancient woodland set just south of Corby.

With walking trails, orienteering routes, several play areas and a cafe, you will not be short of things to do. If you keep an eye out you'll spot hidden treasures all over, from red kites to deer.

The Visitor Centre is open most days and is managed by Northamptonshire County Council.

Find out more

Bourne Wood, Bourne

Ancient woodland, winding paths, pond-side picnics and interesting wildlife await at Bourne Wood, Lincolnshire.

Come and recharge your batteries with a woodland stroll or find your way to the ponds where kingfishers and herons can be seen.

If you're looking for peace and quiet, you can't go wrong with a day trip to Bourne Wood.

Find out more

Salcey Forest

This magnificent woodland has many miles of ancient wood banks, building remains and ancient trees. The 'druids', or veteran oaks, are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are over 600 years old. See what you can spot on your visit to the medieval royal hunting forest.

Find out more