Finding a screen-free day out the whole family will love can feel impossible. Bigger kids want something exciting, younger kids want to take time to explore, and grown-ups just want an easy, stress-free few hours. If you struggle to keep everyone happy, the forest might just be the answer you’re looking for. From pushchair-friendly paths and magical sculpture trails to mountain views, adrenaline-fuelled swinging through the trees and cosy woodland cafés, the forest really does have something for everyone.
I love any Forestry England site for a day out because I know there’ll be fun trails that change with the seasons, inexpensive parking, great cafes, and often GoApe adventures for an extra special treat. Our local forest, Alice Holt also has an amazing marble run running through the forest which my 9 year old adores!
The current trail for Autumn is Room on the Broom, which looks amazing for littles ones.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent
Nestled in the High Weald of Kent, Bedgebury has miles of traffic-free cycle trails, adventure play areas and flat walking paths around the water. The cafe is a big highlight, with amazing cakes and coffee.
Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
High in the Chiltern Hills, Wendover Woods serves up some of the most beautiful forest views in southern England. Highlights include accessible trails, play areas, fitness and cycling routes and of course a brilliant forest cafe.
Haldon Forest Park, Devon
Any parent who has wrestled a pushchair over tree roots and muddy banks knows the challenge of forest walks. Haldon Forest Park, located just outside Exeter, solves that problem effortlessly with smooth, buggy-friendly paths, easy cycling trails and interactive activity trails.
Beechenhurst, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The Forest of Dean is home to the famous Sculpture Trail, where imaginative, artworks emerge unexpectedly between the trees. Kids will love running from one sculpture to the next, while older children may enjoy seeing the world famous sculptures.
There’s also the usual cycling trails, play areas and picnic lawns.
Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
Nestled between Coniston and Windermere in the Lake District, Grizedale offers a wilder, more epic sense of adventure. It’s particularly ideal for older children and teens who crave bigger trails and dramatic terrain. It offers world-class mountain biking and cycling trails, sculptures, and incredible mountain views.
Climb a Mountain
If you’ve got kids who like to walk, Pen Y Fan is a great first mountain hike. We stayed at Forest Holidays in Garwnant as our base and had the best weekend hiking and exploring the local area.
Which is your favourite forest?
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