Visitor information

Discover endless opportunity at England's largest forest

A visit to Kielder Forest will uncover many surprises. Get lost in the Minotaur Maze, discover the fascinating night sky or walk along the unique Lakeside Way, a 26 mile multi-use path around the lake which can be accessed from the visitor centre at Kielder Castle. 

Kielder Forest is also home to one of England's largest mountain bike trail networks. Plan your visit, or hire a bike for the day from Team Cycles.

Kielder is a great place to see a variety of wildlife. From April to August, live camera footage is shown daily from Northumberland's only breeding osprey population which is now the largest natural colony in the UK with an impressive six nests per season. The nearby Kielder Salmon Centre gives a real insight the fantastic work the Environment Agency carry out in the area, including rearing salmon and also protecting pearl mussels.

Although it's England's largest forest, Kielder is not just about trees. At any one time, a quarter of the area of Kielder is open space, including England’s largest area of blanket bog. Kielder is also England’s most important red squirrel reserve, home to the biggest remaining population of red squirrels in the country.

Forest event
Between 27 December 2025 and 7 February 2026
All day
Multiple locations

A set of six punchy trail races set in the English borders. In each race there is a chance to pick up individual prizes on the day as well as points that go towards the overall

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Forest event
7-8 March 2026
Night event
Lakeside Way

A selection of dark sky runs along Kielder's iconic Lakeside Way

Soak up the forest's stunning dark skies as you enjoy this unique challenge!

Forest event
25 and 26 April 2026
All day

The Dirty Reiver 200 (200km), Dirty One Thirty (130km) and the 65km are off road cycling challenges based on the Gravel Grinder format found predominantly in the mid west of...

Forest event
26 April 2026
All day
Throughout Kielder

Kielder Forest Rally will return in 2026 with a new date of Saturday 18 April 2026.

Following the popular format of the 2024 event based in Hexham, with more details to follow...

Whether you've just bought your first bike or are searching out single-track, Kielder Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling.

With over 100 miles of trail, much...

Stay overnight for just £15!

We are happy to welcome campervans to stay overnight in our castle car park - there's nowhere quite like England's largest forest for a truly...

Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Kielder Forest. It's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together with friends and family.

What to expect on the trail

T...

With multiple walking routes to choose from, a great day out exploring Kielder Forest can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Stunning scenery and increased mental well-being are just a few...

Our work

Open landscape image showing green and yellowing grass with part of a old stone wall. Rolling hills in the background.

Wild Kielder

Discover our plans to let nature lead the way on more than 6,000 hectares of Kielder Forest, making it an even most valuable place for wildlife to thrive and expand.

Nearby forests

small un-surfaced trail winding through dark autumnal trees to lake in the distance

With two nearby walking trails and a picnic area, Sidwood is at the heart of this delightful part of Kielder Forest, just two miles from the village of Greenhaugh.

Formerly part of...

Raised walking path next to stream in the forest

At the northern end of Kielder Forest Drive, Blakehopeburnhaugh is the starting point for the Hindhope Linn walking trail. The trail leads you to the spectacular waterfall in an...

Picnic table at sunrise

More than just a picture perfect spot for your next picnic, Warksburn is overlooked by the famous Totem Poles of Stonehaugh village, adding some fascinating depth to the view from...

Conifer shadow forest

Located to the east of Kielder Forest, Fourlaws is a popular site in the heart of the Ridsdale community.

The forest offers visitors great walking opportunities and some unique...

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