Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest
4
About
Discover our picturesque woodlands which sprawl along the sides of a stunning sheltered valley. Escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday at County Durham’s largest forest. From wildlife watching to stargazing, and adventure play for all the family to exhilarating mountain biking, there is something to keep everyone busy. If you fancy a peaceful wander through the trees, Hamsterley’s extensive network of trails and paths provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the heart of the forest.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- The DuchessNorthumberland, United Kingdom63 contributionsK LINE IS AWESOMEMy other half said do you fancy going for a forest cycle ride . Little did I know he had the K line, Transmission and Accelerator routes in mind . Considering I haven’t been on a bike for 12 years, let alone a giant wheeled electric one . I seriously thought I was going to die ! but I hung on ! clung on!swore all the way around like someone with Tourette’s but I survived . I reckon I deserved a medal the size of a dustbin lid as I didn’t fall off and I didn’t mow any little kids down . What a buzz I was overloaded with adrenaline at the end . Tips get life insurance haaa , have a well maintained bicycle , always wear a helmet , gloves , gum shield if you like your teeth . Eat at least 3 hours before you go , so you have lots of energy and stay hydrated . If you are crazy like me or want to feel alive JUST DO ITVisited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2023
- Marie GGravesend, United Kingdom19 contributionsBeautiful ForestWe were holidaying in The Dales for the first time from Kent, as we are now Forest England National Members as we tend to visit Forestry England Parks all around the country in various places we visit with our two dogs. We were not disappointed. After getting a map and speaking to somebody in the visitor centre, we decided to do the Spurlswood Walk (Green) and were told that the Carpark for this walk is a fair trek back up the road before we start. Stupidly, we decided we would walk to the start from the visitor centre, unbeknown to us, it was over 2 miles. Anyway, that was our fault. The walk itself was another 4.5 miles on top, but was beautiful. I love the fact there is water and streams the dogs can go in on hot days. All in all, this is another beautiful forest ticked off our list and we will definitely return when we are back in Yorkshire next summer.Hi Thanks for the review sounds like you had a lovely walk.Written 17 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Written 18 July 2023
- Dsddffd D7 contributionsNice relaxing walk in the woodsAfter 20 years since I had last been, the youngest wanted to go with his friends to use the bike trials. I was nicely surprised to find that the overall atmosphere remained the same. This time the parking was a whole lot better with plenty of walks and trials. Took a picnic and made a day of it. Not much seating so remembrer to take your own folding chairs.Hi Thanks for your review. We have just added a new high backed picnic bench to our popular Viking Trail, great idea to bring a folding chair.Written 17 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 August 2023
- Glyn W4 contributionsGreat day outHad a fabulous day out in hamsterly Forrest . Our party spanned 3 generations & there was something for all of us . The dog enjoyed the streams too . The little one loved the zog trail & we ended the walk with a lovely icecream from the visitors centre . Thought the £7 for car parking was good for the whole dayHi Thanks for your response and your positive feedback. We have just introduced our first inclusive intergenerational high backed bench to encourage families of all ages and abilities to spend time in the forest.Written 17 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 August 2023
- The LoveridgesStockport, United Kingdom14 contributionsFab Forest day outFabulous walk around the forest- we combined the orange walking route from the main car park with the green route at the Grove car park area and did a combined 9 mile loop. Plenty of space and cyclists and walkers were all respectful to everyone. Yummy cakes at the cafe too 😋Thanks for your review , glad that you had a good day on site. We are introducing new Running routes from the Grove that can be walked as well if you fancy a longer walking route ..watch our social media for updates later this year.Written 17 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 August 2023
- KarenMDurham, United Kingdom84 contributionsResearch first!It has been years since we visited but thought a mediocre weather bank holiday would be a good time to return. Oh dear, so did hundreds of others. Not to worry we'd just do the Forest drive. The man in the hut has been replaced by ANPR and a sign saying pay before you leave. Main car park was shut and we were shunted down the Drive, stopped at an attendant and asked how we paid, he gestured in the vague direction we were headed. Got to the end of the road and saw another ANPR camera, thought we'd better stop before we passed it and find this pay machine - none to be found, so turn around and head back to the main area. Paid £2.50 for an unexciting ride along a road trying to dodge all the people. I have no problem with the fee, just make it easy for people to understand how, when and where to pay! Back at home, reviewed the website, not much help other than saying ANPR in operation, pay at our stations or use the app!! Now we know, will be better prepared next time and hopefully it'll be quieter.Hi Thanks for your review and honest feedback we can be very busy in the school holidays and at peak times. A suggestion to return off peak Mon- Fri after 3pm on a weekend would be a much quieter less busy time to visit us. Depending on what you are looking for the Forest Drive changes throughout he seasons the full colour of the meadows in late Spring or tree leaves in Autumn is spectacular or a quiet picnic at one of our remote picnic spots as a suggestion. Hope that you will visit again.Written 17 September 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 August 2023
- Doreen ENewcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom15 contributionsVery wet very spectacular walkWe took the dogs for a walk during all that rain. The resulting waterfalls were spectacular, however I couldn't then let our water mad dog off the lead for fear of losing her to the now torrent of water that was once probably a nice sleepy river. We did get a bit concerned as we did the silver loop and it took longer than expected so we were in danger of arriving back to the car in the dark so leave yourself plenty of time. Not sure how long in distance that walk is and it might have helped to have had that information somewhere. Apologies if it was and we didn't see it but it wasn't obvious. Would definitely go again and would make a day off it 🙂🙂Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 November 2023
- Graeme HCounty Durham, United Kingdom359 contributionsTen years ago & for 25 beforeTen years ago & for 25 before we trekked through fern & Moorland. From the Visitor base to the Outskirts, there are various walks to hand. Well maintained rough roads of Dolomite provided a Comfortable Course. Occasionally we would Shoot up to Teesdale, walking twixt Low & High Force. The world of Flora & Fauna is Wonderful to See. Take an Afternoon off to enjoy the Vista : Like Me.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
430 reviews
Excellent
232
Very good
124
Average
30
Poor
17
Terrible
27
Graeme H
County Durham, UK359 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Ten years ago & for 25 before we trekked through fern & Moorland.
From the Visitor base to the Outskirts, there are various walks to hand.
Well maintained rough roads of Dolomite provided a Comfortable Course.
Occasionally we would Shoot up to Teesdale, walking twixt Low & High Force.
The world of Flora & Fauna is Wonderful to See.
Take an Afternoon off to enjoy the Vista : Like Me.
From the Visitor base to the Outskirts, there are various walks to hand.
Well maintained rough roads of Dolomite provided a Comfortable Course.
Occasionally we would Shoot up to Teesdale, walking twixt Low & High Force.
The world of Flora & Fauna is Wonderful to See.
Take an Afternoon off to enjoy the Vista : Like Me.
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doreen E
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK15 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We took the dogs for a walk during all that rain. The resulting waterfalls were spectacular, however I couldn't then let our water mad dog off the lead for fear of losing her to the now torrent of water that was once probably a nice sleepy river. We did get a bit concerned as we did the silver loop and it took longer than expected so we were in danger of arriving back to the car in the dark so leave yourself plenty of time. Not sure how long in distance that walk is and it might have helped to have had that information somewhere. Apologies if it was and we didn't see it but it wasn't obvious. Would definitely go again and would make a day off it 🙂🙂
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan Lennox
Ingleby Barwick, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
A wonderful way there the bus had air conditioning and a TV but one of the toilet sinks were broken, I would rate the toilets 3.5, our guides were quite polite and showed us some trails, "wonderful trip" our teachers said, great for schools.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenM
Durham, UK84 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It has been years since we visited but thought a mediocre weather bank holiday would be a good time to return. Oh dear, so did hundreds of others. Not to worry we'd just do the Forest drive. The man in the hut has been replaced by ANPR and a sign saying pay before you leave. Main car park was shut and we were shunted down the Drive, stopped at an attendant and asked how we paid, he gestured in the vague direction we were headed. Got to the end of the road and saw another ANPR camera, thought we'd better stop before we passed it and find this pay machine - none to be found, so turn around and head back to the main area. Paid £2.50 for an unexciting ride along a road trying to dodge all the people. I have no problem with the fee, just make it easy for people to understand how, when and where to pay! Back at home, reviewed the website, not much help other than saying ANPR in operation, pay at our stations or use the app!! Now we know, will be better prepared next time and hopefully it'll be quieter.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
Thanks for your review and honest feedback we can be very busy in the school holidays and at peak times. A suggestion to return off peak Mon- Fri after 3pm on a weekend would be a much quieter less busy time to visit us. Depending on what you are looking for the Forest Drive changes throughout he seasons the full colour of the meadows in late Spring or tree leaves in Autumn is spectacular or a quiet picnic at one of our remote picnic spots as a suggestion.
Hope that you will visit again.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Loveridges
Stockport, UK14 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Fabulous walk around the forest- we combined the orange walking route from the main car park with the green route at the Grove car park area and did a combined 9 mile loop. Plenty of space and cyclists and walkers were all respectful to everyone. Yummy cakes at the cafe too 😋
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review , glad that you had a good day on site. We are introducing new Running routes from the Grove that can be walked as well if you fancy a longer walking route ..watch our social media for updates later this year.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glyn W
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Had a fabulous day out in hamsterly Forrest . Our party spanned 3 generations & there was something for all of us . The dog enjoyed the streams too . The little one loved the zog trail & we ended the walk with a lovely icecream from the visitors centre . Thought the £7 for car parking was good for the whole day
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Thanks for your response and your positive feedback. We have just introduced our first inclusive intergenerational high backed bench to encourage families of all ages and abilities to spend time in the forest.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt D
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I really don't recommend this place. The car parking fees are ridiculous. And, they'll jack the prices up with no warning for bank holidays.
The woods aren't anything special and there are plenty of free and more scenic places in the North East to visit.
You also need to be aware that these woods are popular with cyclists. Some are no bother and respect other path users. While others will come out of nowhere at speed and zoom past you without any warning/bells.
The woods aren't anything special and there are plenty of free and more scenic places in the North East to visit.
You also need to be aware that these woods are popular with cyclists. Some are no bother and respect other path users. While others will come out of nowhere at speed and zoom past you without any warning/bells.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Thanks for your response. We are a multi user forest so some other users at busy times will be encountered. Bank Holidays have always incurred a higher day rate as we have to bring in Skips for all the extra litter, extra staff to manage the facilities and portaloos due to the extra visitors. We are reviewing our price structure. Membership pass holders can park for free and you do have 20 min free parking just in case you change you mind on arriving.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dsddffd D
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
After 20 years since I had last been, the youngest wanted to go with his friends to use the bike trials. I was nicely surprised to find that the overall atmosphere remained the same. This time the parking was a whole lot better with plenty of walks and trials. Took a picnic and made a day of it. Not much seating so remembrer to take your own folding chairs.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Thanks for your review. We have just added a new high backed picnic bench to our popular Viking Trail, great idea to bring a folding chair.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marie G
Gravesend, UK19 contributions
Jul 2023
We were holidaying in The Dales for the first time from Kent, as we are now Forest England National Members as we tend to visit Forestry England Parks all around the country in various places we visit with our two dogs. We were not disappointed. After getting a map and speaking to somebody in the visitor centre, we decided to do the Spurlswood Walk (Green) and were told that the Carpark for this walk is a fair trek back up the road before we start. Stupidly, we decided we would walk to the start from the visitor centre, unbeknown to us, it was over 2 miles. Anyway, that was our fault. The walk itself was another 4.5 miles on top, but was beautiful. I love the fact there is water and streams the dogs can go in on hot days. All in all, this is another beautiful forest ticked off our list and we will definitely return when we are back in Yorkshire next summer.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Thanks for the review sounds like you had a lovely walk.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joan
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK14 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Lovely forest. Many complain about parking charges I have no issue as it's maintaining this woodland. However something needs to be done about the mountain bikers that won't slow down. Yes they want to access the forest but so do walkers with children. The forest need to address walking trails and biking trails and address these lycra clad cyclists before there's a serious accident with a child or a walker.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Thanks for your feedback. We have signage in place warning all users of shared trails.
Written 17 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi , would anyone be able to recommend a camp site as I cant see much online.
Also is the bike hire shop still there?
shaw393
St Leonards-on-Sea, UK1 contribution
Hi so Roy cannot help with the campsite but, the bike hire shop is still there.
Has anyone got lost is it easy to find your way back to car
martha
Frosterley, UK13 contributions
I have been there multiple times and have never got lost, their are alot of signs and you can always ask someone. everyone there is super nice and I have never had a bad experience. there are also alot of maps.
happyladynewcastle
newcastle
How much is the charge for a car to park here please ?
pjags
Darlington, UK115 contributions
It is expensive £6.00 a day.
You can park for free in other places and walk into forest via public footpaths.
Lacey M
Adelaide, Australia1 contribution
Hey guys,
I'm bringing my 4 year old son home to the uk for the first time and all he has asked to do is see the gruffalo!!
Do you think he old enough to enjoy this forest, and do you have any tips for me for the day???
Thanks Lacey
martha
Frosterley, UK13 contributions
I would say he is old enough, its a pretty short walk, and there are alot of play parks for small children.
Sam K
Hartlepool, UK18 contributions
How long do people spend here would it be a full day or half day
blackcat71975
Scunthorpe, UK212 contributions
Me personally, half a day but I am a 60 something so if you have a family there is plenty to do last the whole day, weather permitting of course
Sam K
Hartlepool, UK18 contributions
How long do people spend here would it be a full day or half day
GibbsBlackCat
County Durham, UK141 contributions
You could certainly spend a full day - depending on how adventurous you are.
There are many cycle paths if you take your bikes. Loads of walks which you can spend a good two hours on.
Take nets with the kids and go fishing / paddling in the river
Go on the gruffalow hunt or just keep them amused in the play area. Take a picnic or just use the on site cafe.
The area near the cafe and park is the busiest but if you like the quieter life, go much further into the forest, take your rucksacks and go on one of the more quieter but quite beautiful hikes and just stop whenever you feel like it - enjoy whatever you choose
nicskipz
Gateshead, UK19 contributions
How good is the cafe? Should we bring a picnic or is it good enough for a family of 4 to have lunch?
SteveHolt1981
Catterick, UK57 contributions
My personal advice, take a picnic, there are more than enough pictureesk spots to enjoy, we took a mozzi candle as they can bite a little and it does help 😁
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Claim your listingHAMSTERLEY FOREST: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamsterley Forest
- Hotels near Hamsterley Forest:
- (0.84 km) West Hoppyland Lodges
- (13.32 km) Thomas Wright House
- (14.85 km) Homelands Guest House
- (15.13 km) The Three Horseshoes Hotel
- (13.27 km) The Rose & Crown
- Restaurants near Hamsterley Forest:
- (2.55 km) The Cross Keys
- (5.74 km) The Duke of York
- (13.35 km) Thomas Wright House
- (9.17 km) The Copper Mine
- (5.91 km) Teesdale Cheesemakers Cafe & Glamping
- Attractions near Hamsterley Forest:
- (0.00 km) Ride Hamsterley By Bird Cycleworks
- (11.91 km) Kynren
- (13.19 km) Hall Hill Farm
- (12.10 km) Auckland Castle
- (10.07 km) Raby Castle