Visitor information

Located only 7 miles from the centre of Northampton, Salcey Forest is an oasis of nature and history

This magnificent woodland has many miles of ancient wood banks, building remains and ancient trees. The 'druids', or veteran oaks, are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are over 600 years old. See what you can spot on your visit to this medieval royal hunting forest.

We’ve got endless walking trails, a family cycling trail, adventure play area and even an onsite cafe selling tasty homemade meals and cakes in a warm, friendly environment.

What's on

Forest event
Sunday 24 March
6:30am to 6:30pm
Salcey Forest Visitor Centre

Our friends at Big Bear Events are back!

From experienced ultra-runners and those new to trail running looking for their first 10k, Salcey TrailFest is for you! However ... this is not one of the usual 6 hour timed events with Big Bear, you have to choose one of 5 distances!

10k / Half Marathon / Marathon / 50k / 50 miles 

It's almost guaranteed you'll come across some mud at some point along these routes, with sections of well maintained stoned paths, forest road and well trodden forest floor. 

Click the link above to visit the Big Bear website and find out more info. 

Food and drink

Two Grounds coffee cups with some food in front of it

Take a break at the cafe

Finish your cycle ride in the forest with a homemade cake and a coffee.

Salcey Forest is a delight to discover on bike. This trail provides a fantastic opportunity for family cycling in the great outdoors!

The route is relatively flat, wide and smooth and a safe and relaxing way to pick up confidence and develop cycling skills. There are two road crossings on this trail, please take care. 

Bike hire, sales, repairs and maintenance are all available at Grounds Cycle Centre - online booking available! 

Have you seen our Forest Rider pack? Perfect for children aged 7-12 to hone their cycle skills and help them take to the trails - find out more

 

Go Ape Treetop Adventure is a jam-packed hour of intricate crossings, wobbly bridges and a zip wire finale – guaranteed to evoke screams and laughter. Built for those over 1 metre tall it is the perfect introduction to the world of high ropes activities. It’s a firm family favourite and one that encourages fun as well as creating lifelong memories in the great outdoors.

Safety is paramount. All participants receive a comprehensive safety brief at the start before embarking on three loops of tree-to-tree crossings. Go Ape have developed a safety system that is easy for everyone to use. Don't worry you'll be attached to our trees at all times.

School groups and birthday parties are also most welcome.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure Plus is an action-packed hour in the Salcey Forest trees that will introduce you to a more challenging series of obstacles. Meticulously designed for young adventurers over 6 years old and standing tall at 1.2m and above. It's Go Ape’s first standalone Treetop Adventure Plus course in the country and is separate from their Treetop Adventure experience. You’ll absorb all the fun of Go Ape Treetop Adventure and then some.

Safety is paramount. All participants receive a comprehensive safety brief at the start before embarking on three loops of tree-to-tree crossings. Go Ape have developed a safety system that is easy for everyone to use. Don't worry you'll be attached to our trees at all times.

This one hits the feel-good factor every time. School groups and birthday parties are also most welcome.

Riders are welcome to enjoy the sights of Salcey Forest by horseback. The trail for horse riders makes a circuit of the forest on open ridings. Riders may enter the forest on any of the public bridleways, or use the horse box car park at the south-eastern end of the forest (off the Forest Road). You don't need a permit to ride here.

We request that horse riders keep to the bridleways and horse trail and do not ride on other routes or the walking trails in the forest.

Additional Information

There are four public road crossings on this route, which are well signed, please cross with care. There are barriers at 2 of the road crossing locations but there is plenty of room for horses to pass.

The w.3.w points for road crossings are friday.usages.introduce / sudden.noisy.billiard / reported.earphones.task / seashell.starfish.variation)

Nearby forests

Bluebells Hazelborough

Hazelborough Wood is an ancient oak woodland with a network of grassy rides for walking.

It showcases beautiful bluebells in spring time and wildlife spotting all year round.

Family on bike ride on forest path

Play, walk, run or ride your way round Fermyn Woods, a stunning ancient woodland set just south of Corby.

With walking trails, orienteering routes, several play areas and a cafe, you will not be short of things to do. If you keep an eye out you'll spot hidden treasures all over, from red kites to deer.

The Visitor Centre is open most days and is managed by Northamptonshire County Council.

Children playing at Fineshade wood

Located between Corby and Stamford in the Midlands, Fineshade Wood provides a picturesque setting for your next adventure. Whether you want to have a leisurely wander through the trees, get the kids to let off some steam at one of our exciting play areas or go on a bike ride, Fineshade Wood is bursting with opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

 

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