The best forests and woodlands to visit in England

Discover your next woodland adventure

National Tree Week is an annual event that marks the start of the winter tree planting season and brings together volunteers and tree lovers to help plant new trees and hedgerows. A symbol of growth and new life, the tree planting season is a great source of sustainable energy, with trees helping to capture carbon and produce oxygen, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

With this in mind, crisp winter walks have never been more inviting. While the impulse may be to hide away and hibernate, a refreshing woodland walk is an ideal way to keep your steps up through the winter months, and a reminder to appreciate the greenery that surrounds us.

Take a look at some of our favourite VisitEngland quality assessed forests and woodlands to visit.

Alice Holt Forest Park, Surrey

Alice Holt Forest Park has plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore in 247 hectares of beautiful forest. The forest prioritises sustainable forest management to ensure consideration for wildlife and work has begun to restore native woodland that had been lost through deforestation.

Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent

Bedgebury National Pinetum boasts one of the most complete collection of conifers anywhere in the world, with over 12,000 specimens spread across 320 acres. The beautiful forest has a plenty of walks and mapped trails where you can spot many rare, endangered and historically important specimens.

Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire

Located north of Birmingham, Cannock Chase Forest offers a range of woodland walks, Go Ape and a dog activity trail, but it is best known for its cycle routes through the forest. Take in the trees as you cycle on family cycling trails, single-track cross-country mountain biking routes or the Pedal & Play trail for children learning off-road cycling skills.

Dalby Forest Park, North Yorkshire

Situated in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest is home to over 8,500 acres of walking and cycling trails among beautiful trees. There are plenty of stunning views through walking, running and cycle trails, with The Gruffalo orienteering course for little ones and a Go Ape course for adrenaline seekers.

Delamere Forest, Cheshire

Just a short journey from Manchester, Delamere Forest is a haven of towering trees with peaceful woodland walks, wildlife spotting, treetop adventures and orienteering. You can climb Old Pale for sweeping views of Liverpool or stay among the trees in secluded Forest Holiday cabins. Whether cycling, exploring or relaxing in the café, this is an ideal year-round destination to reconnect with nature.

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Located in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest offers endless trails surrounded by beautiful trees where nature meets art. Wander beneath the trees on foot, bike or horseback and discover unique sculptures hidden among the woodland. You can also extend your stay at the nearby cottage or the local family-run campsite.

Hamsterley Forest, County Durham

Hamsterley Forest is the largest forest in County Durham, covering 4,900 acres of picturesque woodland running along a beautiful, sheltered valley. An ideal day out for wildlife observers and walkers, there are also trails for cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders.

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre, Northumberland

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre is England’s largest forest, with a 26-mile walk around Lakeside Way, a Minotaur Maze and England’s largest mountain bike trail networks. You can see plenty of wildlife, including Northumberland’s only breeding osprey population and England’s important red squirrel reserve.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is home to 2,500 different types of trees and shrubs from around the world, and 5 national tree collections. Try and spot the Gruffalo or explore the canopy of trees on the Tree Top Walkway. The Arboretum is the perfect place to watch the leaves change colour to red, amber and yellow during the autumn months. A tree lover’s paradise!

Wyre Forest, Worcestershire

Located on the Worcestershire-Shropshire border, Wyre Forest is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country. The perfect destination for a seasonal woodland walk, you can wander through the arboretum, play among the treetops at Go Ape Wyre Forest, choose a walking, cycling, running or horse-riding trail to explore and bring your furry friend along for a woodland adventure.

RSPB Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Once home to the legendary Robin Hood, RSPB Sherwood Forest is an ancient woodland steeped in history and natural beauty. Dominated by majestic oak trees, some over 500 years old, the forest also shelters birch, pine and hazel, creating a diverse canopy that supports countless species. Now a thriving nature reserve, visitors can explore this former royal hunting ground and discover a variety of birds, insects, mammals, fungi, and plants among the towering trees that have stood for centuries.

Mallards Pike, Gloucestershire

Mallards Pike in the Forest of Dean is a great day out for the whole family. Situated in beautiful Gloucestershire, you can take a stroll around the pretty lake or explore trails ranging from a leisurely 2km to a challenging 10km into the depths of the forest. Take a climb to the top of the tallest trees at Go Ape high ropes, or glide through the woodland on the exhilarating Segway tour. An ideal way to take in the beauty of the trees and wildlife at your own pace.