Haldon Forest Park

About

Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.

For any help while visiting Haldon Forest, head to the Info Pod (level access from the car park) or look out for our team in green. Haldon Forest Park is sunflower-friendly and our team has completed disability awareness training. Mobility hire is available daily, 10am-4pm.

Things to do at Haldon Forest Park

Entertaining the kids

If 3,500 acres of forest to explore isn't enough, don't worry - we've got plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. For little explorers, head out onto the Gruffalo Party trail to collect the missing party items for Gruffalo’s 25th birthday. Activity packs are available from the Info Pod for £4. Slightly older adventurers will enjoy challenging themselves with our Gruffalo orienteering course as they navigate their way between control points. Maps are available from the Info Pod for £1.50.

To burn off some energy, bring their bikes (or hire them on-site) to work up a sweat on our cycling and mountain biking trails. For those with a head for heights, check out the Go Ape Treetop Adventure, which will leave everyone with a sense of achievement.

Walking

Whether you're looking for play and adventure or a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, Haldon Forest Park has the perfect walking trail for you. Choose from our three well-surfaced and waymarked walking trails, perfect for solitude seekers, hiking enthusiasts, and keen photographers. Each route sets out from the forest hub, conveniently close to the car park and other facilities.

The Discovery Trail is shared between walkers and beginner cyclists, with plenty of seating stops and stunning views. It is also home to our Gruffalo Party trail, taking families on an adventure to help Gruffalo celebrate his 25th birthday. For a more immersive forest walk, choose from the waymarked Raptor trail or Butterfly trail, or make up your own route. Visitors with reduced mobility can explore the forest with one of our off-road mobility vehicles, available to hire via the Countryside Mobility scheme. Our easy-to-use Trampers can tackle forest terrain come rain or shine. Trampers are available 10.00am-4.00pm daily; pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

For a walk with a fitness boost, why not try Nordic walking? Bring your poles, or hire ours from the Info Pod, and stride out onto our waymarked Nordic walking routes.

Cycling and mountain biking

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Haldon Forest Park offers fantastic natural cycling. Practise your technique in the skills area and find your flow on the pump loop, then choose from graded trails that wind through the forest.

Haven't brought your bike? Our on-site cycle hire specialists are here to help with mountain bikes for all ages, electrically-assisted bikes, tag-a-longs and child seats, recumbent cycles, and trikes. All cycle hire is heavily discounted for over 55s.

Running

Lace up your trainers and head into the forest for a run like no other. Choose from our 1-5km waymarked running routes or make up your own route. Trail running is not just good for your fitness. Tune into the colours and sounds of the forest for a mindful experience to leave you feeling refreshed.

Go Ape at Haldon Forest Park

Scale the heights of the treetops with daring crossings, wobbly bridges, and zip wires. Choose from the Treetop Adventure for younger thrill seekers or the Treetop Challenge for older adrenalin-junkies. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

Orienteering

For a walk with an added challenge, test your map navigational skills against Haldon Forest Park's orienteering course. We have graded routes for everyone from complete beginner (white) to advanced (brown). Purchase your maps from the Info Pod (£1.50) or download them for free before you visit. 

For younger explorers, try our Gruffalo Orienteering course with special Gruffalo-themed controls hidden along the Discovery Trail. Maps are available from the Info Pod for £1.50.

White, yellow, orange, and Gruffalo orienteering courses are accessible for off-road mobility vehicles.

Eating and drinking

After your forest adventure, refuel at the Ridge Cafe. You'll be spoiled for choice with delicious homemade light bites, locally-made cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Or bring your own picnic to enjoy in your favourite spot. There are picnic benches dotted throughout the forest, or pick a peaceful spot among the trees. Top up your water bottles with our free refill station next to the toilet block. To help us prevent wildfires, please never light a BBQ or fire in the forest.

Dogs at Haldon Forest Park

Dogs love Haldon Forest with exciting sights smells to explore and plenty of shade on hot summer days. There is always fresh doggy drinking water in the forest visitor hub, and some of our picnic tables have tie rings to keep four-legged family members secure while you eat. For happy times and waggy tails, please check out our guidance for dogs in the forest.

Accessibility guide

Explore our detailed accessibility guide online.