The forest is open every day except Christmas Day. Car park opening times are below. The Info Pod is open daily 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Weekdays
| Monday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
| Tuesday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
| Thursday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
| Friday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
Weekends
| Saturday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
| Sunday | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 7am - 9pm |
Travelling by car on the A38 turn off at the exit for Exeter Racecourse (there are no slip roads for this turning). Follow the signs for Haldon Forest Park. The car park is signposted further along the road on the left.
Our postcode for SatNav is EX6 7XR. Make sure you look out for the roadside banners directing you to the car park. Please do not drive up the first entrance labelled 'Office Car Park'.
Country Bus 360 stops close to Haldon Belvedere. The stop is about 0.25 miles from our walking trail network.
Stagecoach Bus 39 stops at Exeter Racecourse (1 mile away). The Exeter Racecourse stop is between the ‘Countess Wear Roundabout’ and ‘Chudleigh Memorial’ and is just opposite the Route 5 restaurant on the A38 dual carriageway. Please note there is no bus stop on the opposite side of the dual carriage way. To return to Exeter City Centre from the Racecourse you have to get on a 39 bus to Chudleigh Memorial and change there to get on another 39 bus back to the city centre.
Stagecoach Bus 7 stops at the Haldon Grill on the A380 (2.5 miles away)
50.65248799528, -3.5803129616241
Parking is by debit/credit card or you can now use RingGo* at Haldon Forest Park 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.
| Cars and minibuses | Location code 31027 |
| Coaches | Location code 31029 |
Haldon Forest Park members avoid the parking machines and park for free. Buy your Membership now for £40 and simply display your pass in your vehicle without queuing for a ticket. Parking charges and memberships help us to look after Haldon Forest Park for everyone.
Parking Charges
| Charges at peak times (weekends, school holidays, bank holidays) | |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £4.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £6.00 |
| All day | £8.00 |
| Charges at off-peak times (weekdays in term time only) | |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £3.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.00 |
| All day | £6.00 |
Coaches/Minibuses charges
Coach £17.00 (£12 off-peak)
Minibus £12.00 (£10 off-peak)
Additional information
The Ridge Cafe is open daily for takeaway and outdoor seating.
If you have limited mobility, why not hire one of our three Trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme? You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper and we have introduced a COVID secure hire process to keep you safe.
For a quieter forest experience, we recommend planning your visit for early morning (before 10.00am) or in the evening (after 4.00pm). The forest is usually less busy on week days.
For more information about Haldon Forest Park to help you plan your visit, take a look at our accessibility guide:
