Hamsterley Forest

Discover picturesque woodlands that sprawl along the sides of a stunning sheltered valley. And escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at County Durham’s largest forest - Hamsterley Forest!

From wildlife watching to stargazing, and adventure play for all the family to exhilarating mountain biking, there is something to keep everyone busy.

There are loads to do, including exciting mountain bike routes with full mountain bike hire facilities! So, whatever kind of mood you're in, you can be sure you'll have a fantastic forest adventure! Fancy a good walk? You’ve got a choice of tracks and walking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, including a buggy-friendly trail for those of you with tiny sprogs in the group. Take the circular trail along the back for lots of different play areas for both small and big kids.

We bet you have fans of Zog in the family! Well, did you know the Zog trail is back? Download the free app and embark on a forest adventure with everyone's favourite dragon! Collect golden stars and engage in fun activities, then snap a selfie with the dragon at the end of the trail!

Make sure you try one of the seasonal family events, including den building, bird feeding and more! If you fancy a peaceful wander through the trees, Hamsterley’s extensive network of trails and paths provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the heart of the forest.

Tired out? Stretch your legs afterwards at the visitor centre and tearooms. They’ve got a play area there too.

Food & Drink
If you're less interested in physical activity and more interested in a chilling session, why not go to one of Hamsterley Forest's picnic areas and BBQs and have a family meal out in the open.

Feel free to bring your dog too!