Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

About

Forestry England Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Founded in 1925 as a partnership between the Forestry Commission and Royal Botanic Gardens’ Kew. 2025 is an exciting year as Bedgebury National Pinetum celebrates its centenary.

Bedgebury Pinetum is home to the National Conifer Collection and is recognised as one of the most significant collections of conifers anywhere in the world. It contains over 12,000 specimen trees set in 350 acres of Grade ll listed landscape within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Bedgebury Pinetum is awe-inspiring for tree lovers looking to learn about international tree conservation and a beautiful setting for peaceful walks, and picnics around the rolling hills, valleys, and lakes.

The forest is home to a children’s play trail, Go Ape high ropes courses, many miles of family cycling, mountain bike trails and waymarked running routes. Whether exploring the forest or the pinetum, Bedgebury provides a beautiful and tranquil setting to walk, play, picnic, learn, immerse in nature, and enjoy.  Bedgebury’s learning team, supported by the Kent High Weald Partnership, offers school trips and forest school activities during term time and summer holidays, enriching the educational experience for young visitors.

Bedgebury Forest, set in a further 2500 acres is the perfect place for those seeking more adventure. Shared forest paths are ideal for running, walking, and cycling, catering to all ages and abilities. The forest features waymarked running trails of 2km, 3km, 5km, and 10km, a 9km blue family cycle trail, and a 13km red singletrack mountain bike trail.

At the welcome building, our friendly staff are available to help you make the most from your visit with maps, seasonal trail leaflets and activity packs.

Bedgebury Café serves a wide range of tasty hot and cold locally sourced food, delicious cakes, and a range of hot and cold refreshments. Indoor and outdoor seating is available overlooking one of Bedgebury Pinetum's beautiful lakes.

Our younger visitors aged 1 to 13 years can follow in the footsteps of the historic plant hunters on the 2km natural play trail taking in 12 challenging play areas. If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo's Child and other characters from the Julia Donaldson book too.

The visitor centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users and includes an accessible toilet, baby changing facilities, and a Changing Places facility for those with additional needs. We have an all-terrain mobility scooter and wheelchair for hire and is bookable in advance. 

Parking
There are 10 accessible parking spaces available for visitors. Parking is not free but the income from vehicle admission helps support the care of the National Pinetum and forest. Payment can be made at the machines in the car park or at the information point. Please note that mobile app payment is not available. A 'help' button is provided on the payment machines for assistance.

Access to Public Areas 
Accessible parking is located 180 metres from the café and toilet facilities. The path from the parking area is firm and has a moderate gradient, with level access into the building. Another accessible parking area is just 20 metres from the information point, with a firm path and a mild gradient, also offering level building access.

Restaurant
There is level access into both the café and dining areas. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please speak to the café staff. Meals are available for visitors with special dietary needs, including gluten free (coeliac), lactose free (dairy-free), vegan, and vegetarian options.

Staff
Most staff members have received disability awareness training.

General Information
Glass doors and full-height windows are marked with contrast features for visibility. All displays are positioned at a suitable height for wheelchair users and children. The attraction is well lit throughout, avoiding pools of light or dark areas to aid visually impaired visitors.

Dogs are welcome in all areas but must be kept on a lead indoors and within the National Pinetum and play areas. Benches are placed throughout the site, and picnic benches with wheelchair access are available outside the visitor centre.

An all-terrain mobility scooter is available to hire from the information point, but it must be pre-booked by calling 01580 879820. The Pinetum trail is a way-marked, easy-access route that is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. Baby changing facilities are provided in the accessible toilet.

Dogs are welcome on-site; they must be kept on a lead in the pinetum and around the children’s play trail.

Bedgebury hosts a busy program of events and activities throughout the year, suitable for individuals, groups, and families of all ages. Weekly fitness and wellbeing activities include running groups, wellbeing walks, yoga, guided cycle groups, and parkrun. Our most popular event is the spectacular after-dark illuminated trail, Christmas at Bedgebury.

 Bedgebury’s learning team, supported by the Kent High Weald Partnership, offers school trips and forest school activities during term time and summer holidays, enriching the educational experience for young visitors.

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