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Two people in a sunny, grassy clearing amid pine trees
Other active things to do

Join naturalist Ed Drewitt on a wildlife safari to explore the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. 

​From listening to woodland birds on a dawn chorus or evening birdsong walk to watching for wild boar or deer.

Discover butterflies and trees and explore the forest for its special birds such as hawfinches, crossbills and peregrines.

Family looking at trees
Event
1 August - 3 September
9.30am - 3.30pm
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Embark on a tree safari at Bedgebury Pinetum this summer! 

Let curiosity guide your journey to discover where some of Bedgebury's amazing trees come from. Learn how to read a tree label and identify which country a tree is from then colour in your tree safari explorers map. 

Collect a map from the Information point before you set off. 

Visiting on a Tuesday in August? Join our Learning team at the Shipwreck play area to discover the wonders of cones. 

 

Night sky at Gisburn

Explore our newly accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site at Gisburn. Be in awe as the cosmos magically reveals itself in the skies over Bowland.

Gisburn Forest Hub is one of five sites within the Forest of Bowland AONB to be granted the Discovery Site status.

More information on the Discovery Sites and events can be found here:

https://forestofbowland.com/Star-Gazing

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 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.

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 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.

Go ape forest segway Whinlatter
Segway

Climb aboard an all-terrain Segway for some unrivalled Cumbrian views. The Go Ape team will take you to incredible vantage points where you can soak up the sights from Skiddaw to Helvellyn.

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

Kielder Castle

A visit to Kielder Castle visitor centre 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 Kielder Castle. You can discover the amazing night sky – perhaps from the comfort of your campervan, as Forestry England car parks can be used to stay overnight for just £12.

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. 

Christmas tree
News
03 January 2023
You’ve enjoyed a lovely Christmas with your tree taking centre stage, but what do you do with it now?
Stars in Night Sky
Event
Saturday 23 March 2024
7.15pm for 7.30pm start.
Sherwood Pines

Enjoy a night out in the solar system with a big moon looming large over the forest and the biggest planet of them all, Jupiter, putting on its best display for eight years.  We'll also show you how to take a picture of the moon using your mobile phone as a keepsake plus we'll have colourful talks and equipment advice.  Even if the weather intrudes a special tour of the constellations on a big screen will provide plenty of wow moments.

Close up of pine needles on a Christmas Tree
News
05 January 2022
You’ve enjoyed a lovely Christmas with your tree taking centre stage, but what do you do with it now?
A family huddled together under red lighting looking up at the night sky

Dalby Forest is an outstanding Dark Skies site to see the stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies!

Our astronomy partners, Astro Dog offer exciting, interactive, stargazing sessions in the enchanting setting of Dalby Forest.  

Campervans parked up in a car park

Stay overnight for just £12!

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 unforgettable night!

Park up after 5pm and soak up stunning dark sky views.

Please note that we do not allow tent, touring caravan or car parking - click HERE for information on nearby campsites.

Tackeroo camping
Other forest stays

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

At Fineshade Wood, we have a Caravan and Motorhome Club which is open to members and non-members alike.

Just visit the Caravan and Motorhome Club website for more information and to make a booking.

Three friends walk through the forest
Walking trails and routes

Walking at Pleasley Park is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes, from beautiful farmland views to archeological wonders.

Pleasley Park has lots of paths and drives to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, foxes and bats at night.

Go ape forest segway high lodge
Segway

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!  

Segway users on a forest trail
Segway

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!  

people on Segways on a forest path
Segway

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!  

Pages of the Beginner's guide to stargazing surrounded by stars
Family activity
04 June 2020
See the forest at night in a whole new light! Get your hands on this free guide to learn about constellations, try star navigation, play night-games and become a Forest-Star.
A young boy in a blue t-shirt and dark blue shorts jumps high off a log with his arms and legs stretched out. His older brother stands behind him smiling.
Play areas

Come and build, create, discover and imagine as you play in amongst the trees.

Each booklets provides a treasure of great ideas for family play based around one of our four play themes:

Couple on a picnic bench in a campsite
Forestry England Camping

Switch off, relax, get back to basics and nature with a unique camping experience in the Forest of Dean.

Gather your friends and family, snuggle up in your sleeping bag and take in the beautiful night sky at Bracelands campsite. With pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, this is the perfect location for a camping adventure! 

Surrounded by the forest, you will have direct access to miles of paths and unique experiences on your doorstep at the Forest of Dean.

 

Tackeroo Camp and Caravan Site
Forestry England Camping

Gather your friends and family, pitch up your caravan or tent and get ready for a fantastic forest stay at Tackeroo campsite!

With the wonders of Cannock Chase Forest at your doorstep, you are guaranteed a healthy dose of outdoor adventure. Take in the night sky like you've never seen it before, snuggle up to the peaceful sounds of nature and keep your eyes peeled for the local neighbours, roaming fallow deer!

Stars in Night Sky
Other forest stays

Extend your woodland adventure with an unforgettable stay at Cogra Moss.

The Bunkhouse is an ideal place to stay and is only 10 minutes walk from the reservoir.

A Forest Holidays Lodge at Delamere Forest
Forest Holidays

Sleep under the stars in Delamere Forest in a cosy cabin that feels like home.

Cheshire is a fantastic holiday destination, but there’s only one place where you can spend a few nights deep in the heart of Delamere Forest.  Whether you need a weekend break or a long getaway, Forest Holidays provide the perfect location to relax, recoup and get lost in the wonders of the woods. 

Christmas tree shopping in the forest
Real Christmas trees

Buy your real Christmas tree from Whinlatter Forest, Keswick this year for a wonderful experience and the highest quality, British Christmas trees.

From 25 November daily 9.30 - 4pm. Tree sales are located along the forest road behind Cyclewise, to the rear of the Visitor Centre. (Late night opening Wednesday 6 December until 7pm - tree sales and Cafe Ambio food truck)

Long exposure night sky over trees
Event
Friday 10 November
8pm to 10pm
Grizedale

Join us for an introduction to the sights, sounds and stories of Grizedale at night.

Our knowledgeable and friendly rangers will guide you on a short, level, walk followed by an informal night sky session.

Discover the stars above you, try your hand at wildlife spotting and soak up Grizedale’s magical dark skies.

 

Woman mountain biking on spring forest trail
Event
1, 2, 3 June 2024
2 to 3 day event
Gisburn Forest and Stocks

1 days skills coaching, 1-day lead ride, 2 nights bunk barn accommodation, a delicious 2 course evening meal on Friday and Saturday nights, tea, coffee and cake on Saturday afternoon.  £350pp

We also offer the option of an extra day for £450 per person for the 3 day course (includes extra evening meal and extra night accommodation).If you wish to add the extra day on, please contact us when booking.

Hacienda hr credit Anthony Mooney
News
07 January 2019
Hacienda Classical have announced dates as part of Forest Live 2019, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission. The wildly successful clubbing classical cross-over show Hacienda Classical has seen 5-star reviews and landmark shows at Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight Festival and London’s Royal Albert Hall among many memorable nights over the past three years.
Long exposure night sky over trees
Event
25 October
5.30pm to 7.30pm
Grizedale

Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.

Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky.

Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.

 

Viewing platform over a woodland lake
Other active things to do

Cannop Ponds is one of the best waters in the forest for angling. Managed by Yorkley Angling Club, day permits can be bought on the bank from the Club bailiff or from local tackle shops

 

There are two lakes, both of which offer a variety of fish to impressive sizes:

 

Cannop 1, Southern Lake

Approx. 50 pegs  7 Disabled Platforms with Access Depth 3ft to 20ft

Long exposure night sky over trees
Event
11 November
5.30pm to 7.30pm
Grizedale

Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.

Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky.

Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.

 

Long exposure night sky over trees
Event
Monday 12 February
5pm to 7pm
Grizedale

Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.

Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky.

Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.