Visitor information

Forestry England's flagship woodland in the south west, just 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot

Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park. Only 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot just off the A38, Haldon Forest Park is perfect place for great value days out with kids, friends, or family. 

Haldon Forest Park offers a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as orienteering courses, treetop rope course, and so much more just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking to entertain the family, get active, rediscover your connection with nature, or just make unforgettable memories, look no further than Haldon Forest Park.

Devon's Top Attraction logos and Dog Friendly Attraction 2023

 

A woman is riding a Tramper next to a walker

Explore Haldon Forest Park with an off-road mobility vehicle

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of our three Trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper. Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine.

What's on

Forest event
Two sessions, Monday 15 April and Monday 22 April
2:00pm to 3:30pm
Meet Fiona in the car park - first bay on the right on entry.

Join Fiona Swan from Nordic Walking Devon who will guide you through the two sessions of "INWA 10 steps training course" which will introduce the techniques and benefits of walking with poles.

Suitable for beginners only, it is free to those aged over 50 thanks to funding from Forestry England's Feel Good in the Forest project.

You then have the choice to continue with weekly (paid) sessions to improve your technique and fitness with your new friends.

Forest event
8 weeks starting Tuesday 11 June
Tuesdays at 12:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Info Pod

Join instructor Helen from the Exeter School of Tai Chi for 8 weeks of tuition in the stunning setting of Haldon Forest Park. 

Suitable for beginners only, it is free to those aged over 50 thanks to funding from Forestry England's Feel Good in the Forest project.

Forest event
13 weeks starting Monday 9 September
9:00am for around 60 minutes
Meet at the Visitor Info Pod

Join running leaders Paul and Ronni on a 13 week journey from zero to completing a community park run event.

Suitable for beginners only, it is free to those aged over 50 thanks to funding from Forestry England's Feel Good in the Forest project.

A friendly and supportive atmosphere awaits...what a lovely way to spend time in the trees!

Food and drink

A timber building is visible through cheery trees in leaf. People are sitting at a picnic table.

The Ridge Cafe

Refuel at the Ridge Cafe, serving a range of freshly prepared light bites and drinks every day.

The Gruffalo is turning 25! To celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.

Follow the trail around Haldon Forest Park to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along.

Get the party started with a Gruffalo Party Trail pack

Pick up your pack for just £4 from the Info Pod, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.

Inside you’ll find:

kraft bag to colour in party headband to wear party trail activity leaflet stickers pencil and crayon keepsake sew-on Gruffalo Party patch

Share your party fun using the #GruffaloTrail hashtag.

The Gruffalo © 1999 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Whether you’re looking for play and adventure or a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, Haldon Forest Park has the perfect walking trail for you. Choose from an easygoing stroll along the top of the Haldon ridge with expansive countryside views, or take a more challenging hike deeper into the forest.

Visitors with reduced mobility can explore the forest with one of our off-road mobility vehicles, available to hire via the Countryside Mobility scheme. Our easy-to-use scooters can tackle forest terrain come rain or shine.

 

 

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Haldon Forest Park offers fantastic natural cycling and progression for your off-road skills.

Situated high on the Haldon Ridge outside Exeter, the trails give beautiful views back across the city and the surrounding countryside.

For riders with reduced fitness or mobility, contact our cycle partner, Forest Cycle Hire, for details of specialist options, including electrically assisted bikes. All cycle hire is heavily discounted for over 55s.

Helmets must always be worn while riding. Read more about how we grade cycle trails.

Haldon Forest Park's most popular trail is ideal for walkers, beginner cyclists of all ages, children's balance bikes, and novice runners. The surfaced trail has regular resting points, and is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and mobility vehicles. Visitors with limited mobility can hire one of our three off-road mobility Trampers.

There are stunning view points, play areas for children, and numerous picnic spots along the way.

The Discovery Trail finishes at our Bullers Hill play area where you can search for the Gruffalo sculpture.

Our work

A young nightjar on the ground

Our work at Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest Park is not just one of Devon’s most loved outdoor destinations, it sits within 1500 hectares of working forest that stretches across the Haldon Hills. Since the 1920s, Haldon Forest has been managed by Forestry England to grow timber for the nation. It has also become a special place for nature and includes a large Site of Special Scientific Interest. Find out how our dedicated recreation and forest management teams care for Haldon Forest.
A woman in a red coat with hood up carries a child, wearing a red rain suit, along a forest path

Trail maps at Haldon Forest Park

Walking, running, cycling and horse riding. Plan your visit and download the map you need.

Nearby forests

Panoramic view from Mamhead towards the Exe Estuary

Just five minutes from both the A38 and A380, Mamhead is a perfect sanctuary for a dog walk, family stroll, or just to enjoy some peace. 

Make up your own route or choose from two waymarked walks to be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Exe estuary and along to the Jurassic Coast.

Birch tree blocking out the sun with winding branches

Once part of the Stover Estate, Great Plantation is located just north of the market town of Newton Abbot in the heart of South Devon.

Explore this mixed woodland which is home to roe deer, woodland birds, and the rare pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly. 

River and conifer trees

Bellever Forest is an unmissable stop on your visit to Dartmoor National Park. Explore one of several waymarked walking trails, discover incredible archaeology, take in the breathtaking views from Bellever Tor, or enjoy a relaxing picnic on the riverbank surrounded by native Dartmoor ponies.*

Shaded walking trail in Stoke Woods, Exeter

Located north of Exeter, Stoke Woods is a great place to get in touch with nature. Stoke Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has large areas of ancient woodland, making it a very special wildlife haven at the edge of the city.

Stretch your legs on our wild trails and visit some of the oldest and largest trees in Exeter.

 

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