Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Visitor information

A family friendly country park and forest

Moors Valley is a joint venture between Dorset Council and Forestry England and the work we do here goes beyond the remit of most visitor attractions, including countryside management and forestry. With over 800 acres, it's a large site to look after and we always aim to balance the needs of our visitors with those of the environment, whist still providing our visitors with a great day out.

For full information on planning your visit and all the events and activities on offer, please visit the Moors Valley site. 

At a glance

Cafe is open 9am - 3.30pm
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Steam railway open at weekends
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Visitor centre and shop
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Visit us for a wonderful experience and the highest quality, British Christmas trees. 

Choose your tree in our spacious open-air Christmas Tree Shop and browse hundreds of spruces or firs.

Open from 25 November, 10am - 4pm, 7 days a week. Park for free when you buy a tree!

Our trees

Nordman Fir, 5 - 8ft Norway Spruce, 5 - 8ft

Make a day of it and get in the festive mood whilst you are here. Join in with our festive activities; enjoy a hot drink or food from our cafe with delicious festive meal options available, try our Zog trail with the children, take a peaceful wintery walk around the forest, or try a Go Ape Adventure - swing from the treetops or bounce around on Nets Adventure.

Contactless payments are encouraged along with bringing your own blanket or sheet for a more sustainable Christmas purchase. 

What makes our Christmas trees so special?

Quality: Our high-quality trees are British-grown 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

Moors Valley is open every day during the festive season, except Christmas Day. Opening times for some attractions will vary - please check our Christmas opening times for details. 

 

The Zog Trail is getting a festive twist!

From 24 November, pick up your Zog Christmas clue leaflet for just £1.50, or free if buying a Zog Trail pack, and go in search of festive clues along the Zog Trail. Crack Zog’s Christmas code and get a special Zog Christmas decoration.

There is lots of festive fun for all the family at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest! For more information on all our exciting Christmas events and activities, please visit the Moors Valley Country Park website

 

 

Discover some amazing areas to explore, have fun in the woods on our play trail with its unique pieces of wooden play. You can climb inside a giant ‘Hawk’, wriggle through giant snakes in the ‘Snake Pit’, attempt the ‘Crocodile Crossing’ and balance on the fallen forest of ‘Timber’.

This is the most popular route in the forest where children love to discover the play structures in the woods whilst stopping to create their own dens along the way. Visitors return again and again to find their favourite ones to play on.

From those just starting to balance on two wheels to those who want a singletrack experience, there's something for everyone at Moors Valley.

There are many miles of paths and tracks through Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. You are welcome to cycle on any of the gravel or tarmac paths however the best paths for cycling are waymarked.

To find out more about all of our sign posted routes please take a look at our main website (in partnership with East Dorest District Council). 

Go Ape locations in our forests are now open. Pre-booking is essential. More information is available on the Go Ape website.

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

You will receive training and get the chance to practice before you head out, with a safari guide, on our trails.  You will use a mixture of twisty trails and wide open, straight tracks on this circular, hour long adventure.

See further information and book direct with Go Ape.

Nearby forests

A herd of deer in a glade in the forest

We are delighted that Bolderwood features as part of the Ancient Canopy dedicated to Her Majesty in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.  Ancient Woodlands are cherished reminders of our living heritage, often referred to as “nature’s Crown Jewels”. We are proud to be part of this unique project, which aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations. 

Sun shining through the trees in a pine forest

If you are looking for an ideal spot for picnicing, a walk in the woods or amazing views then Wilverley has it all. 

From the car park there's easy access into the adjoining woodland with a waymarked trail. The extensive grassy lawn offers valuable grazing for ponies and beyond the Forest lawn the heathland is home to many important bird species.

Boy counting tree rings on a very old tree that's been felled.

Blackwater arboretum is an idyllic setting with a stunning variety of beautiful trees from around the world. Inspired by the tree collection at this special place, a sensory sculpture trail complements the setting.

Explore Blackwater on two wheels by following the New Forest’s great network of cycle trails.

Three New Forest ponies standing on open grassland.

Enjoy the stunning views of the heathland and trees beyond. This is an ideal spot for all the family with good waymarked walking trail that pass by the nearby Ober Water stream.

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