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An autumn view of the cafe at Alice Holt Forest

This Easter make it a day for everyone to remember with a walk at Alice Holt Forest, enjoy fresh woodland air and a warm drink in the cafe. We have lots of different trails and exciting play areas for you to discover, including our unique Gruffalo Sculptures, and other characters from the story - see who you can find in the deep, dark woods!

family enjoying the woodlands

Discover endless family fun in the great outdoors at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

From the top of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, down to the Visitor Centre with its shop and cafe, the park makes for a great day out.

For further information about current facilities, please visit the Hampshire County Council website 

Sensory garden at Rosliston

From surfaced trails and cycle routes to outdoor play areas, a cafe and a sensory garden, a visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre is a great day out for everyone! 

Rosliston Forestry Centre is managed in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council. It was created on former farmland in 1993 and opened in 1994. For more information on things to do -  please visit the Rosliston Forestry Centre website. 

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.

Winding path through the mature woodland

Wyre Forest is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country and can be found to the west of Birmingham.

Explore the arboretum to find the unusual Whitty Pear and don't forget to refuel in our on-site cafe. Our Go Ape course will keep the kids (and adults!) entertained and we've even got a dog wash on-site to keep your pooch pampered.

View from Symonds Yat Rock in spring

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock.

Cafe at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands.

It is the ideal place for families to start their forest adventure, with a family activity trail, large forest-themed play area and Go Ape high ropes course. Explore the forest on foot using one of our walking trails, or bring your bikes and visit the wider forest using the Colliers Trail - our family-friendly cycling route.

Two ladies enjoying a dog walk at 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.

Walker and Tramper user with dog on a forest road

The Champion Bowland Tramper is now located at Gisburn Forest Hub and is available to hire from the cafe.  There is a five mile easy access trail from the cafe with a link route to Stocks Reservoir to enjoy the wonderful scenery along the Birch Hills Trail.  A perfect opportunity for less mobile people to enjoy the beauty of the forest.  The Tramper is provided by Forest of Bowland AONB. 

Parents and two children in summer clothes in woodland

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.

Holford Ride Westonbirt

Book tickets

Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure! Take a journey up into the canopy on the STIHL Tree Top Walkway, stop by the café for a tasty treat or see if you can spot the Gruffalo!

Beechenhurst cafe

This family-run business serves quality food and drink to enjoy on-site or to take-away. The team prepare fresh ingredients every day for you to savour during your time at Beechenhurst. The menu includes:

Women eating cake inside cafe with dog

Come and enjoy freshly prepared hot and cold food, drinks and snacks in a beautiful lakeside location with indoor and outdoor seating. Featuring locally sourced produce and home-made cakes, it’s the perfect spot to meet friends or rest and recharge after a run, walk or forest adventure, and is dog-friendly too!

A family eating lunch outside a cafe

This family-run café serves quality food and drink to enjoy on-site or to take-away. The menu offers nutritious and delicious homemade refreshments which are made to order, including:

fresh home-baked cakes with gluten free and vegan options

Outside of Wyre Forest cafe

Wyre Forest Cafe provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy seasonal food, homemade bakes and barista-crafted drinks. 

Fuel your adventures in the forest with freshly made food, from a thoughtfully constructed menu that offers something for everyone.

Lakeside benches in a forest
Picnics and barbecues

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

Picnic tables are available outside the cafe, with benches dotted around the lakeside walking path.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues.

Family enjoying a picnic on a bench in a forest
Picnics and barbecues

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

Picnic tables can be found by the café and in the main car park.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

Two ladies enjoying a dog walk at Jeskyns Community Woodland
Walking trails and routes

A surfaced loop which also takes in our grazing meadows and leads up to view point with two towering sculptures. Mainly off lead for dogs with one small area on lead back up to the café.

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.

 

four pairs of legs and feet running
Running

This circular route is a surfaced track with a small section on grass at the end which brings you to the café where the trail began. 

Along the route you will pass new woodlands and wild flower meadows. Listen out for skylarks and meadow pippets as you run!

Wendover woods summit
Walking trails and routes

This trail leads to the Chilterns summit also known as the highest point on Haddington Hill. To start this trail head towards the side of the cafe and follow a mostly level pathway. 

The highest point is at 267 metres above sea level and is marked on a stone at the end of the trail. 

 

Photo of the children's play area at Salcey Forest
Play areas

Scramble, slide and swing your way around our play area. Or why not try your hand in our Forest Cafe play kitchen? And if you are feeling brave you can develop your balancing skills!

Please ensure dogs are kept on a lead around the play areas. 

 

Child playing in swing
Play areas

Our play area is great for kids to burn off any excess energy, with plenty to keep them occupied. Catering for all ages, they'll have lots of fun in the fresh air.

The play area is located next to Wyre Forest Cafe, perfect to refuel ready for some more play! There are plenty of benches around for you to sit and relax. 

Family enjoying lunch outside a woodland cafe

This family-run cafe provides great, home-cooked food in the stunning setting of Symonds Yat Rock. 

The log cabin-style building was originally built in 1956 in readiness for the Queen’s visit the following year. A lot has changed since then, and visitors today can enjoy freshly prepared food and drinks while taking in the spectacular views of the Wye Valley. The menu includes:

People playing table tennis at Salcey Forest

In partnership with Northants Sport and Table Tennis England, Salcey Forest has two FREE TO PLAY table tennis tables. You can find these in front of the Visitor Centre and next to the café.

Bats and balls are provided but feel free to bring your own!

Girl on Gruffalo Orienteering course
Gruffalo orienteering forest courses

Try this fun, navigational challenge at Cannock Chase Forest using a simple map to find 12 Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.

If you're feeling competitive you could choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.

Before you begin, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map from the cafe for just £1.50. 

den building

Discover lots of play structures inspired by nature along this trail, starting from the Information point, the trail loops back round to the cafe.

This trail has two options, walking the full trail covers 0.6 miles of woodland paths, the shortcut covers 0.4 miles of the woods. 

Accessible for all with surfaced paths around the route. 

Man using mobility scooter, alongside a woman pushing a pram and walking a dog

This trail is home to our family activity trail which changes annually. The trail starts near to the cafe and children's play area. Follow the stone surfaced path, through mixed woodland, past our forest pond and sculptures.

There are plenty of benches to relax along the way. It’s relatively flat and suitable for mobility scooters and pushchairs, however there is a steeper uphill section near the end.

A family having a picnic on a blanket on top of a hill, looking at the view.
Picnics and barbecues

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

There are numerous picnic tables around the cafe area. To help dog owners enjoy a hands-free experience, we have individual dog clips attached to all our benches for you to clip your dog lead to.

Alternatively, why not take a picnic to one of our various viewpoints and enjoy lunch with a view.

Play area at Fineshade Wood
Play areas

You are never too old for building dens or playing hide-and-seek in the woods, but for those a little younger The Oak Leaf newly updated play area is close to the Visitor Centre, café and toilets.

If you are a little more adventurous then seek out our Tree House which you will find in the woods. This has also received an awesome new makeover. 

 

 

people on Segways on a forest path
Segway

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

You'll get all the training you need and 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.

Forest Segways start at the Go Ape cabin which is close to the café, toilets and bike hire facilities. 

Two children enjoying a hot chocolate with bikes in the background

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre Café, operated by Pedalabikeaway, serves freshly-prepared hot and cold food with locally sourced produce. Pop in for a coffee and slice of home-made cake, delicious soup, or our famous loaded FOD burger.

There’s plenty of seating outside for the summer, or if you're feeling chilly head inside for cosy log-burning stove. A range of food options are on offer including: