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Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
(Average user rating: 5 unrated 4.3/5)

Bedgebury Forest is ideal for cycling, walking, riding, adventure play and Go Ape. Visit the National Pinetum, the world's finest conifer collection, perfect for walks and picnics

Safe, healthy outdoor fun for all ages and abilities. Open all year & great value for money, Bedgebury is the place to visit on the Kent/Sussex border.

Latest news - Mountain Bike Trail development

Work is progressing well and many sections have now been repaired and are open again!

While some sections of the trail remain closed for repairs, please follow all safety and diversion signage at all times. Follow this link for more information.

The National Pinetum 

The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is the finest collection of conifers on one site in the world.

Walking

Bedgebury offers all-ability scenic walking routes promoting healthy living, including gentle strolls, guided walks, challenging health walks and calorie mapped trails.

Cycling and MTB

Are you looking for a gentle family cycle ride in a beautiful woodland setting, or maybe some high-speed mountain biking round Bedgebury's challenging singletrack?

Horse riding

Find new dedicated way-marked trails linking with existing bridlepaths, creating a network of horse-friendly routes around the forest.

Adventure Play

Do you fancy reliving the adventures of the famous explorers who brought back some of our most exotic trees and shrubs from the farthest corners of the world?

Learning

Bedgebury is the ideal place for people to learn about trees, the environment and themselves. Bedgebury's National Pinetum, a world-class tree collection, contains conifers from across the globe as well as a range of wildlife habitats that are ideal for environmental studies.

***  Check out the Bedgebury video  ***

Go Ape. UK’s No.1 Forest Adventure Enjoy two to three hours of adventure high above the forest floor, taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings and a variety of Crossings.
Take a look and book at our Go Ape page.

What do other visitors say?

4 Stars 4 Stars

Great place for the whole family but parking is expensive ■8.50! Friston Forest is only ■3.50 for the whole day! and has more challenging MTB trails for the more experienced.

Anonymous, 1/Nov/2012
5 Stars 5 Stars

Went for the first time after finding it on the internet. A truly hidden gem that I recommend highly. The bike trail was great fun and I will be back to try it again.

Toughen Up, 1/Oct/2012
5 Stars 5 Stars

Me and a freind go there all the time for the mountain bike single track, great track, great staff, great faclilities and most of all great place. what more can i say

Anonymous, 14/Sep/2012
More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at enquiries.eastfd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

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What's Here?

  • Arboreta
  • The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is the finest collection of conifers on one site in the world. With over 12,000 trees and shrubs from across five continents, many of them rare and endangered, it is a beautiful and tranquil place to walk, picnic and enjoy nature away from the stresses of everyday life. Each season offers different experiences and delights.
  • Cycling
  • Family cycling through beautiful woodlands. 13km singletrack MTB around Bedgebury Forest
  • Cycling Hire
  • Bikes for hire from Quench Cycles 01580 879694
  • Mountain biking
  • 13km singletrack mountain-biking trail
  • Cycle wash
  • Cycle wash at Quench Cycles
  • Dogs
  • Dogs are allowed in the Pinetum on leads and off the lead but under control in the forest
  • Easy Access
  • The car park, visitor centre and many trails are designed to be accessible to wheelchair users
  • Educational
  • The car park, visitor centre and many trails are designed to be accessible to wheelchair users
  • Hi-Rope
  • Go Ape tree top adventure 0845 643 9215
  • Horse riding
  • Horse riders with TROT permits will find new dedicated way-marked trails linking with existing bridlepaths, creating a network of horse-friendly routes around the forest. They will also benefit from a trail map, a secure and exclusive box park and a designated picnic area. For more information please call TROT on 01622 735599. (Please note that no horses are allowed in the National Pinetum).
  • Information
  • Information Office at the Visitor Centre.
    Interpretation boards all round the Pinetum and play area
  • Orienteering
  • Bedgebury offers professionally-endorsed orienteering routes - maps available from the Visitor Centre
  • Parking (chargeable)
  • £8.50 per car for parking, with admission included
  • Picnic
  • Award-winning picnic spots all round Bedgebury
  • Play area
  • Discover exciting new play equipment amongst the trees. All ability half-mile Plant Hunters' Play Trail. A chance for children to let off steam in safety.
  • Restaurant
  • Pineatery Cafe
    07724 705749
  • Shower
  • Shower tokens available from the Visitor Information Office
  • Walking
  • Bedgebury has a network of all-ability scenic walking routes promoting healthy living, including challenging health walks and calorie mapped trails.
  • Visitor centre
  • Bedgebury Pinetum is open all year
  • Toliets
  • Ladies, Gents and disabled toilets at the Visitor Centre
  • Wildlife
  • The Pinetum is a unique haven for wildlife including many bird species such as Hawfinch, Firecrest and Crossbills. Bedgebury also has 24 varieties of dragonfly.
More about what's here

Location

OS Grid ref: TQ715336
Postcode: TN17 2SJ

Get directions

Contact

Recreation Information Officer
01580 879 820
enquiries.eastfd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Opening & Parking

Opening Times:
___________
Admission
£8.50 per car
___________
January
8am - 4pm
February
8am - 5pm
March
8am - 6pm
April
8am - 7pm
May
8am - 8pm
June
8am - 8pm
July
8am - 8pm
August
8am - 8pm
September
8am - 7pm
October
8am - 6pm
November
8am - 5pm
December
8am - 4pm
Parking
£8.50 per car for parking, with admission included
Discovery Pass
Contact the Friends of Bedgebury for annual membership and a Discovery Pass 01580 879842

PDF Downloads

Useful sites

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification certifiedenjoy England quality assured visitor attractionForest Stewardship Council certified