Facilities
Facilities in and around the Hub include:
- Unisex toilets - including one disabled toilet and urinal
- Baby changing facility - based in the disabled toilet
- Shower – key available from the Ranger’s Office.
- Ranger’s Office.
- First Aid post at the Ranger’s Office
- Centre for Contemporary Art & the Natural World
- Forest Cycle Hire.
- Go Ape! highwire adventure course
- Car park
- Children's sand pit play area
- Picnic & BBQ area
- The Ridge Cafe
- Dog waste bins
Please note that the mobile phone signal at Haldon Forest Park is poor, and we do not have a payphone on site.
Food & Drink
The Ridge Cafe serves a range of locally sourced, organic and fairtrade food and drink.
Please note we are currently looking for a new tenant to take over the management of The Ridge Cafe. The opportunity is being marketed by Stonesmiths in Exeter and details can be found on their website www.stonesmith.co.uk. (January 2012)
We also have a charming picnic area a short distance from the main car park, which offers views through the trees towards Dartmoor National Park.
If you wish to bring a barbecue please complete the BBQ permission form (186KB) and return it to: Permissions, Forestry Commission, Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7XR or attach it to an e-mail and send to enquiries.peninsula@forestry.gsi.gov.uk We will only contact you if we cannot grant you permission.
Cycle Hire
Forest Cycle Hire can be found in the Hub, near the Ranger's Office.
Forest Cycle Hire stock a full range of frame sizes for children and adults, plus tag-alongs, child seats, and buggys. Mobility trikes are also available to hire. Using only Claud Butler mountain bikes assures a high quality ride, and something for everyone!
Call 01392 833768 for bookings, information and current opening times.
Disabled Access
There are designated disabled parking bays at both the main car park and Mamhead car park.
There is a disabled toilet available at the main car park. Please note however that there are no toilet facilities at Mamhead car park.
In addition we have two all-ability trails, which use the ‘Access for All’ standard devised by the Fieldfare Trust. The rolled stone surface is level and suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and people with mobility problems. There are also regular resting points along these trails. The Mamhead Sensory Trail includes a series of sensory waymarkers, and there is a low-level site map at the Hub. Find out more about these trails.
Tramper Hire - The Countryside Mobility scheme provides easy access to the countryside for people with disabilities living in and visiting South West England through a mobility scooter hire scheme. 'Tramper' all-terrain mobility scooters provide access for all to a wide range of wheelchair acessible outdoor visitor attractions across the region including Haldon Forest Park.
For further information on the scheme please visit the Countryside Mobility website.
Blue badge holders are also required to purchase a parking ticket.
Parking
There are two car parks at Haldon Forest Park.
To reach the main car park follow the road along the top of the ridge, heading for Belvedere Tower. After about a mile you will see the Forestry Commission Office entrance on your left. Continue along the ridge road until you come to the car park entrance on your left.
From 1 April 2011
- Cars: £2.00 for up to 2 hours (£3 on Bank Hols) £3 for over 2 hours (£4 on Bank Hols)
- Minibuses: £8.00
- Coaches: £13.00
- Discovery Pass: £25.00 Car or £45.00 Minibus (from 23 Dec 2010)
Blue badge holders are also required to purchase a parking ticket.
A concession is in operation for groups eligible to purchase a Discovery Pass at a reduced rate. You can download an application form for the concession scheme [PDF 342KB].
To reach Mamhead car park from the main car park head for the racecourse, follow the road under the A38, and turn left over the new A380 bridge. If coming off the A380 turn off at the top of the hill towards Starcross. On both routes, take the first right signposted for Ashcombe, and go straight over the crossroads and the car park is 200 yards on the left. This car park is free of charge as there are no other facilities, but provides access to the Mamhead Sensory Trail.
Note that parking may be limited at peak times.
Schools and Group Visits
Schools and groups are always welcome at Haldon Forest Park, but we would encourage you to contact us to find out whether there is anything else going on. We do have a number of large events booked, particularly over the Summer and on weekends. You may wish to avoid these events, or maybe you would like to join in!
Coaches can be accomodated in the car park, but this may be limited at busy times.
If you would like to apply to hold an event at Haldon Forest Park find out how to organise an event.
You can find a number of education & learning resources online.
Please note that the mobile phone signal at Haldon Forest Park is poor, and we do not have a payphone on site.
Dogs
Dogs are certainly welcome at Haldon Forest Park – what better way for you and your dog to get some exercise?
Dog waste bins are located in the main car park, on the road leading to the Forestry Commission Office, in the Mamhead car park, and at the entrance to the Mamhead Sensory Trail.
More information for dog walkers.
Christmas Tree Sales
During December we have a Christmas Tree Sales Centre in the Car Park.
Forest Operations in the Park
The 2011 Winter operational plans have been prepared and we currently await contractor availability to commence a small thinning operation around the Haldon Forest Park car park, hub and District office. The operation will not only improve the landscaping around the hub by improving sightlines and providing new facilities but it will also provide small roundwood to the fencing market.
The trails and car park will remain open although on commencement, signs will be erected and occasionally you may be asked to re-direct your route briefly. In order to keep disturbance to a minimum, much of the close proximity work will be carried out early in the morning. Please look out for the signs and please for your own safety adhere to their directions.
Harvesting operations are currently being prepared for the next 18 months and they include the Dawlish Water Works area, Chalet Woods (Telegraph Hill), Ideford and Whiteway. This website will be updated nearer to the commencement of each parcel of timber.
Please be aware that Haldon is a working forest and that you are likely to come across both major and minor works throughout your visit. Please ensure that you do not place yourself in a hazardous situation by ignoring the signs and entering a works area. When encountering large machinery and/or lorries on the roads or in the wood do not proceed past them until the operator has seen you and waved you through.
For further information contact the Area Forester on 01392 832262.
