Visitor information

1,400 hectares of woodland just 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot

Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park.

Haldon Forest offers a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and so much more just waiting to be discovered.

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At a glance

Advance notice: Haldon Forest Park will be closed on 8 and 9 January 2024
01/12/2023 03:30
Help us prevent wildfire. Never light a BBQ, fire, or camp stove in the forest.
30/05/2023 07:00
A woman is riding a Tramper next to a walker

Explore Haldon Forest Park with an off-road mobility vehicle

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of our three Trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper. Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine.

Food and drink

A timber building is visible through cheery trees in leaf. People are sitting at a picnic table.

The Ridge Cafe

Refuel at the Ridge Cafe, serving a range of freshly prepared light bites and drinks every day.

Looking for a real Christmas tree near you in Devon?

Buy your real Christmas tree from Haldon Forest Park, Exeter this year for a wonderful experience and the highest quality, British Christmas trees. Tree sales at Haldon Forest Park are managed by the multi-award winner, Dartmoor Christmas Trees.

From 25 November to 23 December, the tree team will be on hand to help you choose from hundreds of spruces and firs in the fresh, wintery air of our beautiful forest.

To ensure you have the widest possible selection of trees to choose from, it is recommended you buy your tree on or before 13 December. Don’t worry if you want to put your tree up later, as long as you store it somewhere cool it will stay fresh.

Our trees

Low drop 3 - 15ft Norway Spruce 3 - 10ft Potted trees

What makes our Christmas trees so special?

Quality: Our high-quality trees are grown in Britain - 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

Treasured family traditions make Christmas extra special so join us this festive season to make choosing the perfect tree part of yours. Wrap up warm, pull on your boots and make it a day for everyone to remember at Haldon Forest Park.

With miles of off-road routes for you to enjoy, escape the stuffy gym, embrace the fresh air and get fit where you can be inspired by stunning natural surroundings.

Supported by Sport England and using National Lottery funding, the network of marked trails make running through the forest more accessible, so you can feel confident to just hit the trails and enjoy all the benefits of being active outdoors.

Pick up a handy pocket map from the Info Pod for £1 or take a photo of the map board in the visitor hub.

1-3km running routes

Follow the turquoise waymarkers.

This 3km route begins to get the lungs working. There are turn around points for you to achieve 1km and 2km distances before going on to complete the full 3km loop. It’s a great way to build up your distance. Halfway round there is a steep incline and you’ll be rewarded by Haldon’s famous viewpoint.

5km Challenge running route

Follow the grey waymarkers.

This 5km route is good for building your fitness. It has some inclines including a couple of short, steep hills. This route will take you through beautiful woodland and past Haldon’s breath-taking viewpoint.

5km Challenge+ running route

Follow the brown waymarkers.

It's in the name: this 5km is challenging. There are steep gradients, both up and down, and some steps. Running over gravel and grassed surfaces you can spot many wildlife species.

Whether you're looking for play and adventure or a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, we've got a trail for you.

For visitors with reduced mobility, we have three Trampers available to hire that are capable on the Discovery, Raptor and Butterfly trails.

Get ready to join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand-new family activity trail and free app!

How does it work?

1. Download the new ‘Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app before you visit

Point the brand new app at special markers along the trail and access all sorts of exciting challenges as you go.

Thanks to amazing augmented reality technology, you’ll be able to collect golden stars, just like Zog and have the chance to take a photo with everyone’s favourite dragon at the end of the trail!

Capture the fun by saving videos and photos as you complete the bonus activities!

Get it on Google Play     Get it on the App Store

2. Get your claws on a Zog trail activity pack 

Grab the Zog trail activity pack for £4 from the Info Pod.

Inside you’ll find: 

kraft bag to colour in. 

dragon wings to decorate and wear. 

Zog glasses. 

stickers. 

trail leaflet. 

pencil and crayon. 

3. Follow the trail

Collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them.  

The Zog Trail is getting a festive twist!

Pick up your Zog Christmas clue leaflet at the Info Pod for just £1.50 (or free if buying a Zog Trail pack) and go in search of festive clues along the Zog Trail. Once you've cracked Zog’s Christmas code, return your clue leaflet to pick up your prize, a special Zog Christmas decoration.

 

Share your Zog fun using the #ZogTrail hashtag.

Zog © 2010 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Our work

A young nightjar on the ground

Our work at Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest Park is not just one of Devon’s most loved outdoor destinations, it sits within 1500 hectares of working forest that stretches across the Haldon Hills. Since the 1920s, Haldon Forest has been managed by Forestry England to grow timber for the nation. It has also become a special place for nature and includes a large Site of Special Scientific Interest. Find out how our dedicated recreation and forest management teams care for Haldon Forest.
A woman in a red coat with hood up carries a child, wearing a red rain suit, along a forest path

Trail maps at Haldon Forest Park

Walking, running, cycling and horse riding. Plan your visit and download the map you need.

Nearby forests

Panoramic view from Mamhead towards the Exe Estuary

Located a short drive from Haldon Forest Park, Mamhead provides the perfect place for you to walk your canine friend, take a family stroll and enjoy some peace. 

Follow the all-ability trail to be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Exe estuary and along to the Jurassic Coast.

Birch tree blocking out the sun with winding branches

Once part of the Stover Estate, Great Plantation is located just north of the market town of Newton Abbot in the heart of South Devon.

Come and explore this mixed woodland which is home to roe deer, woodland birds and the rare pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly. 

River and conifer trees

Enjoy the tranquility of a picnic by the East Dart river or an exhilarating walk up to Bellever Tor to take in the stunning views. Explore the forest itself and discover a wealth of wildlife, archaeology and grazing Dartmoor ponies.

Shaded walking trail in Stoke Woods, Exeter

Located to the north of Exeter, Stoke Woods is a great place to have a break from city life and get in touch with nature.

Stretch your legs on our wild trails and visit some of the oldest and largest trees in Exeter.

 

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