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Explore Hamsterley Forest
(Average user rating: 5 unrated 4.2/5)

Hamsterley Forest is a delightful 2000 hectare oasis, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to forest adventure or a tranquil getaway from the hustles of modern living. Go on, explore!

Hamsterley Forest is one of County Durham's most popular visitor destinations. To ensure that this continues, the Forestry Commission has commissioned a report from independent consultants on the status and potential of Hamsterley Forest for visitors. Read more.

Site news

Maps and other information to help you make the most of your visit will be available daily from the new information point next to the cafe. The refurbishment work around the visitor centre building will be completed during the autumn when the former shop building will be demolished, a picnic and play area created and improvements made to the cafe facilities. 

The cafe will be open daily until 3 November (10am-5pm) and thereafter weekends only for the winter plus Christmas and February half-term week (11am-4pm). Wood n Wheels cycle hire is open weekends only (10am-5pm).

Explore on foot

The walking trails will take you right into the heart of the forest for some spectacular wildlife watching opportunities. Early morning walkers may spot roe deer feeding, adders basking on rocks or even salmon leaping upstream on the beck.

Explore by bike

Hamsterley is one of the top destinations for mountain biking in Northern England. Hone your skills on our training loop before exploring the wide network of trails, from blue grade right up to extreme downhill trails at Descend Hamsterley.

Calling all young adventurers! 

Climb, swing, crawl, balance through the adventure play area before setting off on a real adventure in the wilds of the forest. Explore secluded dells, build a forest hideaway or beachcomb.....in a forest!

Explore on four legs 

Miles of waymarked horse riding trails through the high forest

What's on?

Check out what's happening at Hamsterley using our calendar of events in the forest over the coming months.

Food and drink

After all that exercise in the fresh air, why not sample some of Hamsterley Tearoom's famous cakes?

Education and Learning

Information for schools and groups on organising a visit to the forest.

What do other visitors say?

3 Stars 3 Stars

We got lost a number of times, other people were asking up which way to go... It would be good to get more sign posts to know which route you were actually on. Very warm day on 06.05.13

Anonymous, 9/May/2013

Walking trails are waymarked by round discs on metre high square posts while bike trails are square tiles on taller posts. If you think any of the trails are poorly waymaked, let the rangers at the information point know which one so they can be checked.

Forestry Commission Response
5 Stars 5 Stars

Lovely, beautiful place. If you're doing the walks, the orange markers look red and the yellow looks orange due to weathering so get up close to the posts to be sure you're doing the right one! (we weren't haha)

Nikki, 5/May/2013
5 Stars 5 Stars

Great fun! Love to explore the forests with my family.Fab for riding bikes too! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good day out.

Lauren, 7/Apr/2013
More user comments

Please tell us about your visit

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

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Advice for visitors

What's Here?

  • Baby Changing
  • Cycling
  • Mountain biking
  • Cycle wash
  • Horse riding
  • Information
  • Play area
  • Telephone
  • Walking
  • Toliets (gents)
  • Toliets (ladies)
  • Cafe
    • Open 11am-4pm daily until 4 November, weekends and school holidays after this date until Easter 2013.
  • Cycling Hire
    • Information on opening times for WoodnWheels cycle hire, please call 0191 3783753
  • Dogs
    • There are no dog bins provided in the forest. Please take all bagged dog waste home with you or flick unbagged waste off the paths and into the undergrowth. Don't give your dog a bad name!
  • Easy Access
    • Riverside Trail from main car park to Low Redford picnic area falls within requirements for wheelchair accessibility in terms of gradient and surface.
  • Educational
    • Riverside Trail from main car park to Low Redford picnic area falls within requirements for wheelchair accessibility in terms of gradient and surface.
  • Forest drive
    • Toll Road
  • Orienteering
    • Permanent orienteering course with 28 control points available for educational use via a booking system. Maps are on sale in the tearoom priced at £1.25
  • Parking (easy access)
    • Designated parking bays at main toilet block, Bedburn car park
  • Parking (chargeable)
    • £3 per day per car (£5 on Bank Holiday weekends), £8 minibus, £12 coach
  • Visitor centre
    • The Visitor Centre will be undergoing refurbishment this winter for reopening Easter 2013
More about what's here

Location

OS Grid ref: NZ091312

Get directions

Contact

Hamsterley Forest


enquiries.hamsterley@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Opening & Parking

Opening Times:
Barriers on the forest drive and car parks are open from 8am-8pm, 1 April to 30 September and 8am-5pm outside of these months. Access to the forest on foot 24 hours a day. Over Christmas period, car parks and toilets open as usual. Forest Drive closed 22 Dec-1 Jan inclusive.
Parking
£3 per day per car (£5 on Bank Holiday weekends), £8 minibus, £12 coach
Discovery Pass
£40

Related documents

Useful sites

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