Frequently asked questions

 

Is parking free in the forest?

Many of our car parks are free to use. However, at sites where visitor facilities are provided (such as toilets, a cafe or play equipment) a charge for car parking will apply. Currently, visitors are asked to pay to park at Kielder Castle and in Hamsterley Forest. For regular visitors to Hamsterley Forest, annual season tickets are available. Contact Neil Taylor (Recreation Ranger at Hamsterley) for further details.

Can I camp in the forest?

Unfortunately, camping is not allowed in the forest. However, at Kielder camping is permitted at Kielder campsite and at selected backpacking sites.

Do I need a permit to horse ride in the forest?

As an individual, you do not need a permit to horse ride in any of our forests. At Hamsterley Forest and Chopwell Wood, Horse Riding Associations have been formed to promote horse riding in these locations and riders are encouraged to join before riding.

What time do the forests close?

Our forests never close! Access on foot is permitted 24 hours a day. The car parks and forest drive at Hamsterley are opened at 8am and closed at 8pm in the summer (5pm October to March), but you may access the forest on foot any time.

Where can I hire bikes?

Bike Hire Centres are located in Hamsterley Forest and in Kielder Village.

What time do the visitor centres open?

Opening times for the visitor centres vary depending on the time of year. Visitor Centres and shops at both Kielder Castle and Hamsterley Forest are open every day from Easter through to the end of October. Outside of these months, centres are open mainly on weekends.

How do I book to bring a group for a ranger-led session?

Arranging a group visit to one of our forests couldn’t be simpler. Just phone the recreation ranger at the forest you wish to visit to discuss the structure of the visit you require. The ranger will send you a booking form on which you need to confirm the details of your trip, sign and return.

Do I need to pay to use the orienteering courses?

No, use of our orienteering courses is free. The only charge is the purchase of maps for use on the course.

Why don’t the FC provide litterbins?

Litterbins are provided only in the immediate vicinity of our shops and cafes. The cost of providing bins around all the trails in the 54000 hectares of forest in the Northeast would be prohibitively high. At all our sites we encourage visitors to take home their own rubbish and ‘leave only footprints’.

Do I have to walk my dog on a lead?

Dogs and their owners are welcome to walk in all of our woodlands. However, as forests are popular with all sorts of other users such as children, horses, cyclists and of course other dog walkers, it is important dogs are kept under control at all times. Dog owners are not asked to keep their dogs on leads at all times, but are expected to be able to keep close control of their pet, especially when other woodland users are in the vicinity.