Kielder Water and Forest Park

Visitor information

Kielder Water and Forest Park - a day out packed with adventure, from red squirrels and ospreys to mountain biking and stargazing!

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.

A visit to Kielder will uncover many surprises such as the Minotaur Maze and Skyspace, one of England's largest mountain bike trail network and home to Northumberland's only breeding osprey population. For more information on the ospreys, please visit the Visit Kielder website. Kielder is also a great place to see a variety of wildlife. 

So if it is adventure or tranquillity and wild beauty you are after then there is something for everyone in this awe-inspiring place.

Visit Kielder is the official tourist information visitor website for Kielder Water and Forest Park.

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Things to do

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Forest Find | Kielder Forest

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or enthusiast amateur it's easy to take part, just start recording wildlife on your next visit...

Download the free iNaturalist app before you visit 

Discover and record wildlife through the app on your forest adventure

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iNaturalist is an independent third party application. Please check their full privacy policy and terms of service before signing up You can create records without having 4G or Wi-Fi in the forest. Download our full user guide and top tips. 

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Art and Architecture at Kielder Forest

There are over twenty pieces to explore - find your favourite.

The Art and Architecture programme aims to produce quality, contemporary work that is accessible to as many visitors to Kielder as possible.

Each of the pieces offer an insight into the way the artist or architect has responded to this unusual environment.

Recent commissions have won a number of national architectural awards including the Stephen Lawrence Prize, two RIBA Awards, a Civic Trust Award and the Northern Culture Award for ‘Best Use of Public Open Space’.

These works are rapidly establishing Kielder’s national reputation as an essential destination for all visitors interested in experiencing contemporary art and architecture in a striking rural setting. Works include: a futuristic shelter, a circular building buried in the ground directing your gaze to the sky, a contemporary maze, an iconic bridge, a window on the universe and much more just waiting to be explored.

Discover other arts projects across England. 

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Camping at Kielder Water and Forest Park

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

Kielder is home to a rustic, three star, independent site run by Kielder Village Camping and Caravan Site. 

For more information, please follow the link below. 

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Cycling and mountain biking trails at Kielder

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 of it single-track and all of it traffic-free, Kielder has a trail for you. 

 

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Nearby forests

Kielder Castle

Kielder Castle

A visit to Kielder Castle visitor centre will uncover many surprises.

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Rolling hills with shades of green and brown on a sunny day

Harbottle

Explore the great network of public footpaths at Harbottle or venture to the ancient Drake Stone to experience the mythical atmosphere and stunning views.

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Holystone Woods, Rothbury

Holystone Wood

Holystone is tucked away in a quiet corner of Coquetdale. The peace and tranquillity of the area attracted a religious order that built a nunnery here in the twelfth century, around which Holystone village grew.

The nunnery has long gone, but the tranquil surroundings remain, offering beautiful walks.

There are waterfalls, crags and plenty of aged broadleaved woodlands which are a delight to walk in at any time of year.

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Dark skies brightened by a clear rainbow over green broadleaf trees

Kidland Forest

Found within the Northumberland National Park, just north of the village of Alwinton, Kidland Forest's mosaic of trees is the perfect setting for a forest adventure. Unwind under the blanket of spruce, pine and larch while taking in the glorious views and peaceful sounds of the River Alwin. 

Kidland Forest is a designated Red Squirrel Reserve and also houses Memmerkirk Chapel, a Scheduled Ancient Monument which are the remains of a chapel dating from the 14th to 17th century. 

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