Dalby forest, the Great Yorkshire Forest has over 8,000 acres of woodland to explore with walking trails, running and cycling routes from easy to more adventurous.
With a café, visitor centre, two playgrounds, a brand new maze made from dry stone walls, sculpture trails, kids and dog themed walking trails (Gruffalo Sculptures as well as others) and astronomy observatories, there are many options to keep most families busy for days.
For the more adventurous a bike skills trail, Dixon’s Hollow bike park, cycle hire, bike shop (with jet wash) and Go Ape high ropes adventure course offer something more challenging.
A good starting point is the visitor centre for maps and information which has the biggest playground for children next to it.
Family Highlights
Cycling: From gentle family cycling to a world championship cross country racing route, you can find something for all levels. A gentle flat ride from the visitor centre to the skills area offers young children an easy start. For the next stage try parking near Dixon’s Hollow and getting on the green route or rolling around the easier bits of the bike park. Blue, Red and Black cycle routes add more difficulty and distance for the more capable.
Go Ape: Tree top high ropes course for those seeking a bit of adrenaline.
Walking: Walking trials start near the visitor centre. Ask for a map from the information desk
Climbing/Scrambling: A walk around the Bridestones will keep kids entertained with all the different rocks they can climb on.
Maze: A new addition to the activities is a stone built maze made from dry stone walls, currently only half finished, but the centre section is open and a great spot for a game of tag or hide and seek. Park near Dixons Hollow / Adderstone field
Playgrounds: The largest and best equipped playground is by the visitor centre. The other one is in Adderstone field next to Dixon’s Hollow bike park and the Gruffalo sculptures hidden in the woods.
Practical Info for Families
Costs: There is a cost for car parking, which is enforced using barriers upon entry/exit.
Parking costs 1 hour = £3, 2 hours = £6, 3 hours = £9, 4 hours = £12 up to £15 for a full day. Forestry England annual membership is available if you plan on visiting a lot.
Additional costs would be entry to Go Ape and cycle hire.
Parking: Various car parks throughout the forest, the most popular being by the visitor centre. But a short drive usually finds another one not far away.
Facilities: Toilets with changing facilities available at Dalby Courtyard. Toilets available at Dalby Visitor Centre, Low Staindale (Bridestones) car park, and Adderstone field car park.
Food & Drink: Café in the visitor centre. Pop up café in the summer near Dixon’s Hollow/Adderstone field area.
Picnic Areas: Picnic tables available throughout the forest in popular areas and around car parks
Access: Wide walking trails for prams and buggies throughout the forest. Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters available for hire.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed throughout the forest.
Contact
Opening Hours: Forest open 8am – 8pm every day. Visitor centre open March – October 9:30 – 5pm. November – February 9am – 4pm
Phone: 01751 460295