Looking for amazing days out that won’t empty your wallet this summer? Haldon Forest Park has got you covered! The forest is bursting with affordable adventures for the whole family throughout the school holidays.
From magical woodland trails to thrilling outdoor activities, the forest offers endless possibilities for creating special memories – many completely free of charge! (Parking charges apply to all activities. Forestry England members park or free – sign up today).
Say hello to Stick Man!
“I’m Stick Man, I’m Stick Man, I’m Stick Man – that’s me!”
The star of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved story is waiting to meet you at Haldon Forest Park’s Stick Man Fun Day on Friday 15 August. Join in fun forest activities, and don’t miss your chance for a photo with the character himself!
Cost: FREE
Stick Man family adventure trail
Enjoy a magical woodland adventure with Stick Man as you help him find his way back to the family tree! Get creative, learn about forest wildlife, and discover the wonders of woodland birds and their nests. Get the most from the trail with an activity pack from the Info Pod for just £4, with extra activities and a special passport to collect stamps during your forest adventure.
Cost: £4 per activity pack
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies!
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues, and track down Feathers McGraw – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company. A dog walk at Haldon Forest Park has never been so much fun! – and you could even win a dog-friendly holiday! Get the most from the trail and grab your chance to win a dog-friendly holiday with an activity pack from the Info Pod for just £5.
Cost: £5 per activity pack
Go on a family bike ride
For balance bikes and off-road experts, and everyone in-between, Haldon Forest Park has a cycling trail for you. Warm up with our pump track and build your progress in our skills area, or just enjoy a scenic cycle with some amazing views. Forest Cycle Hire has an extensive choice of bikes for hire, including tag-a-longs, recumbent, and e-bikes.
Cost: FREE, bike hire charges apply
Learn about amazing forests together
Get up close to the wonderful wildlife and towering trees of the forest with easy-to-follow activities in our Forest Activity Bag. Spot incredible wildlife, uncover hidden forest gems, and put your knowledge to the test with an exciting forest quiz. Forest Activity bag is packed with up to 4 hours of fun at your own pace and every child goes home with a goody bag!
Cost: £5 per bag hire
Find a walking trail
Choose an easy going stroll with a choice of amazing picnic spots, or head deeper into the forest for a more challenging hiking adventure. For little legs, our pushchair-friendly Discovery Trail is full of play features to keep them entertained for hours. Nature lovers will adore our Butterly Trail, which takes you through the heart of the forest’s butterfly conservation area. Whichever walk you choose, the whole family can join in with our all-terrain mobility scooter hire.
Cost: FREE
Gruffalo orienteering
Challenge your family with Gruffalo orienteering! This family-friendly navigational challenge brings children and adults together to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden throughout the forest. Use special Gruffalo map to explore the deep dark wood while developing valuable skills in map reading and decision making. Answer fun questions at each marker and race to see who can complete the trail first. No orienteering experience needed!
Cost: £1.50 per Gruffalo orienteering leaflet, including map and certificate
Go on a wildlife spotting adventure
Turn your family walk into an exciting wildlife hunt! The forest is home to amazing creatures from tiny mini-beasts to majestic roe deer. Download Forestry England’s free wildlife spotter sheet to help children track and record their discoveries. Bring nature to life and create lasting memories for the whole family.
Cost: FREE
There are so many great value adventures waiting for you in the forest this summer, which one will you choose?
