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Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Shop


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.7/5)

About Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Shop

Update 9th February 2010: There has been more snow in the forest. Walking trails are open, however, please take extra care as the surface in places is icy and slushy and could freeze depending on weather conditions.  The cycle trails are open but there is likely to be ice and snow on the trails. Please follow the diversions in place and report any trail problems to the Visitor Centre with location details. Dixon's Hollow bike park remains closed due to ice on the track.  The forest drive is now open and passable with care, please drive to the conditions. For further information call the Visitor Centre on 01751 460295 before you set off.  Thank you for your patience at this time.

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is situated along the forest drive just beyond the forest village of Low Dalby.

Facilities within the centre include an information desk, Forestry Commission shop, exhibition area, education meeting room, external and internal toilets and Treetops Restaurant with terrace. The Visitor Centre sells maps and booklets about the various walks and cycle trails within the forest.

Opening hours for the Visitor Centre are 9.30am until 4.30pm, daily throughout the year.

The visitor centre is also the new home of the Dalby Astronomical Centre where events are held throughout the year.

Visitors requiring assistance can contact a member of staff from the Visitor Centre on 01751 460295.

The following admission charges apply: foot, cycle and horse access is free; cars and MPVs £7.00 (a seven-day pass is available for £15.00); motorcycles £2.00; mini-buses £12.00; coaches £25.00 (by appointment only). Discovery Passes for the forest can be purchased from the Visitor Centre for £42.00 (cars & MPVs). Disabled badge holders are not exempt from charges.

Conference and special occasions in the forest. To book a meeting/conference or special occasion to be held at the Visitor Centre please contact Tanya Rex on 01751 460454 or email tanya.rex@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

For Education or Recreation bookings please email nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or call 01751 472771.

How to get there:

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Shop is in Dalby Forest. Thornton-le-Dale is the nearest town or village.

Follow directions for Dalby Forest given on the Dalby Forest page. The Visitor Centre is located approximately one and a half miles from the entrance to the forest.

OS Grid Reference: SE855878
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

What's on in Dalby Forest

February

March

  • Star Watching
    Friday 5 February 2010
    Friday 5 March 2010
    Friday 2 April 2010
    Friday 7 May 2010
    Friday 3 September 2010
    Friday 1 October 2010
    Friday 5 November 2010
  • Let's go fly a kite
    Sunday 14 March 2010
  • Bushcraft for Adults
    Saturday 20 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010
    Saturday 15 May 2010 to Sunday 16 May 2010
    Saturday 18 September 2010 to Sunday 19 September 2010

April

View all events
Interactive instalation in the Dalby Visitor Centre

Facilities:

ToiletsInformationParkingEasy AccessVisitor CentreRefreshmentsForest ShopOther Facilities
Visitor Centre

Information about educational activities is available by e-mail from this page or by telephoning Chrissie Hickes or Jan Bell on 01751 470702

Other Facilities

The Dalby Forest Observatory is owned by Scarborough Astronomical Society. The first Friday in each month is an open evening when no charge is made and anyone is welcome to attend. These evenings, which begin at 7.30pm are used to look at particular sections or features of the night sky. We also arrange a 'Tour of the Night Sky' for organised groups of up to 40 people. The charge for this service is £50. Information and booking details can be obtained from the contact on this page or by telephoning Chrissie Hickes or Jan Bell on 01751 470702.

Activities

Forest DriveHeritagePlay Area
Walking Dalby Beck Walk (Red)
Dalby Beck Walk (Yellow)
Educational A wide variety of education activities are provided most using a 'hands on' approach. Mini-beast hunting, shelter building, stream studies and habitat exploration are just some of the things on offer to educational groups of all ages. Activities are matched to key stage targets making it easier for teachers to link visits to their educational needs.

Contact:

Tanya Rex
Business Centre Manager

e-mail: tanya.rex@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: Julie Cass (5 Stars)
17/Jan/2010
We get an annual pass every year and make the most it. Cycling, walking, using the centre, play areas. Its a brilliant day out and local too!

Name: The H family (5 Stars)
31/Dec/2009
Fantastic outdoor place with something for everyone to enjoy.
Love the mountain bike trails, but got us addicted and buying new bikes :)

Name: Bryden from Filey (5 Stars)
18/Dec/2009
Great place trails superb appreciate whats on our doorstep. Got a season pass and we make sure it gets used

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