Hamsterley Forest
Bishop Auckland, County Durham
About 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.
Things To Do
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. PLUS, don't forget to embark on a new forest adventure with the Gruffalo, with his brand new Party 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 Info point 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. ( no BBQ pls)
Feel free to bring your dog too!
- Trails & bike routes for all ages
- Chill-out picnic areas
- Great for your dogs too!
Brand New Gruffalo Party Trail!
Did you hear? There's a BRAND NEW Gruffalo Party Trail! He's celebrating his 25th birthday, which means he needs your help in locating his missing party items.
Engage in party-themed activities and fun games too!
Two-Wheeled Adventures
Feeling adventurous? Why not bring your bikes and cycle on the biking trails? There's more than 2,000 hectares to explore, plus rock gardens too! And if you're feeling a little extreme, why not try mountain biking?!
Wellbeing Forest Trails
We have miles of beautiful forest to explore try our Wellbeing Trail or Riverside Walk with Gruffalo Sculptures, or longer Walks setting off from our Grove Car Park
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Changing Rooms
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
Forest opening hours from dawn to dusk The Cafe is open for sit-in dining and takeaway daily Monday to Friday 10:30 - 15:30 Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 16:00 Forest Drive is open at weekends, from April to October, 09:00 to 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (0-14) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : Free
- Babies and Toddlers (0-3) : Free
Free parking for members, day rates from £3 for an hour to £8 all day.
Free walks, cycle routes and running routes
Activity Trail £4 pack
Viking Play Trail Free
Orienteering £1.50 map
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Hamsterley Forest by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time more than 5 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Hot and Cold sandwiches, pizzas, salad boxes, toasties, cakes, tray bakes and ice cream available subject to availability.
Specials available most weekends
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Hamsterley
Bedburn
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL13 3NL
England
Don't follow the post code, follow BEDBURN, county Durham in your sat nav. The main visitor facilities such as toilets and cafe are at the Bedburn entrance.
Tel: 01388488312
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
Closest train satation Bishop Auckland or Darlington. Taxis available from Bishop Auckland, Darlington.
Closest Bus stop Wolsingham , Hamsterley Village ( bike racks are available)
Verification
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Additional Information
Suggested Family Day Visit:
Gruffalo Party Trail £4 ( pushchair friendly)
Viking Play Trail - Free ( Pushchair friendly)
Wellbeing Walk aged 8 plus
Orienteering £1.50 per map aged 10 plus
Hamsterley Forest Reviews
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