Hemsted Forest

Visitor information

Located to the west of Ashford, Hemsted Forest offers approximately 398 hectares of woodland for you to explore!

With around five miles of hard surface road and great networks of unsurfaced tracks, Hemsted Forest makes for a great day out, whatever the season!

The forest houses a mixture of conifer and broadleaf woodland and is rich in different bird species.

 

At a glance

  • Walking 
  • Horse riding
  • Dogs welcome 

 

Things to do

Horse riding at Hemsted Forest

Explore the stunning scenery of Hemsted Forest on horseback. Horse riding off-bridleway in Hemsted requires a permit which can be purchased through TROT.

There is a public bridleway and designated (but not waymarked) TROT routes.

Further details can be found by calling TROT on 01622 735599 or visiting the TROT website. When riding you must be display your TROT permit. A map will be given to you after purchasing a membership.

For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

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Walking at Hemsted Forest

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

Hemsted has around five miles of hard surface road around the forest which allows for easy walking and wheelchair use. The multitude of unsurfaced tracks are perfect for any cross country runners who like a bit of mud in the winter and provide many more miles to explore for all! 

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Nearby forests

Autumn Leaves

Birchden Wood

Come and explore Birchden Wood, south of Royal Tunbridge Wells, it's a perfect day out for families, walkers and climbers. Harrison's Rocks, a sandstone crag owned by the BMC, are right next door and Birchden makes the perfect spot to escape out of the city and into the woods. 

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Forest floor covered in bluebells at Abbot's Wood

Abbot's Wood

Located near Polegate, Abbot's Wood is a great place for a stroll at any time of year, with walking trails, a medieval lake, play area, barbecues and picnic tables.

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Early morning mist rising up above the lake in autumn

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Bedgebury is an award winning visitor attraction with something for everyone. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.

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Two ladies enjoying a dog walk at Jeskyns Community Woodland

Jeskyns Community Woodland

Jeskyns is home to 360 acres of newly planted woodlands, meadows and orchards. With a good network of surfaced walking trails, children's play areas, café and even a dog activity trail, there is something for everyone to explore at any time of the year.

You can visit a Fairy and Elf Village, introduce the family to the Gruffalo and his friends, say hello to our cows, take the dog for a paddle or just sit and watch the world go by under wide skies full of singing skylarks.

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