Whether you prefer to play it by ear or devise the perfect travel plan, memberships are the ultimate companion for a touring holiday. Even better are those that give you the freedom of enjoying locations across the country, so you choose the best caravan site, knowing you’re never far from a fantastic day out. Forestry England, who preserve and manage some of the country’s most beautiful public woodlands and forests,* offer exactly that – and for only £94 per year per household.
Not only does it offer you unlimited access to England’s wonderful woodlands, a national membership also includes:
- Free parking at almost all* Forestry England car parks for two registered cars (used one at a time)
- An informative welcome pack
- Exclusive discounts with partners
- Quarterly e-newsletters and access updates
Make 2025 your year of comfort-zone-busting, outdoor-adventuring, family-friendly fun with a Forestry England national membership!
Forestry England has something for everyone:
Find your ideal Forestry England location:
Rousing running trails
Dedicated running trails, found in more than 25 Forestry England forests, offer traffic-free paths, so you can get in the zone without worrying about crossing busy roads, while the trees provide shade in the summer and shelter in the winter. Designed for both beginners and seasoned runners, the waymarked trails range from 1k to 10k. Got a competitive streak? Join a 5k parkrun, hosted every weekend across 21 Forestry England forests!
Try…
Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire: An easy 1km out-and-back through flat forest road, passing by Wendover Viewpoint, perfect for trail-running training
Sherwood Pines, Nottingham: A superb 5km route of peaceful, waymarked footpath, winding through the largest public forest in the East Midlands
Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire: Challenge yourself with this mixed terrain 10km off-road route, which rewards runners with great views of North York Moors National Park
Exploring on two wheels
Are you a downhill biking daredevil? Or do you prefer a mountain-biking mosey? Either way, Forestry England has a route for you! Offering over 60 mountain biking trails for all levels around the country, their forests are perfect for pedalling around, with more than 30 places featuring traffic-free forest roads for completely safe cycling.
Try…
High Lodge, Norfolk Shepherd Trail: A quiet family trail of 5.5-8km, offering relatively flat, wide-open forest roads and tracks. Appropriate for most bikes, including tagalongs, trailers and child seats.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire Whitemoor Trail: Immerse yourself in the natural world on this 6.8km route that traverses some of the quietest areas of the forest.
The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire: A haven for mountain bikers, the Forest of Dean features 14 downhill trails along with four mountain biking routes, graded on difficulty (or thrill-factor, depending on your outlook!)
Breeze into the forest
If you want to socialise and exercise at the same time, try Breeze into the Forest. These free, women-only group cycle rides are led by cycling champions and are suitable for all abilities.
Wonderful woodland walks
With inclusivity and wellbeing at its very core, Forestry England has something for all wanderers in their woodlands. Soothe your soul with sensory walks or step it up a gear with a ramble up rocks or along rivers. Home to over 250 waymarked trails and 20 mindful Wellbeing Trails, with accessible routes for wheelchair users, the forests really are for everyone.
Try…
Grizedale Forest, Cumbria: In the heart of the Lake District, this sprawling woodland area offers trails from 1km to 16km, all with stunning views and unique landscapes.
Hamsterley Forest, County Durham: As County Durham’s largest forest, Hamsterley is home to miles of trails, including Three Becks Walk and Riverside Walk, which is a pretty 2.4km route suitable for wheelchair users and buggies.
Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire: Wander through ancient woodland in this old royal hunting forest, which hosts a woodland play area, Go Ape, a Stick Man Trail, a Forest Walkies route and a cosy café.
Dog-friendly day trips
Take your pooch on a ‘grand day out’ to one of Forestry England’s Wallace & Gromit Forest Walkies trail routes, available at 21 forests across England from 1 February to late September. These interactive dog-focused trails offer a variety of fun games and challenges for you and your dog to enjoy together, with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo by your side. Join the Forest Walkies trails at these forests, or try one of many other waymarked trails – and pamper your pup in the dog-wash afterwards!
Try…
Wyre Forest, Worcestershire, Giants Trail (1.9 miles): The circular Giants Trail passes through the arboretum before descending into the ‘Valley of the Giants’, where magnificent Douglas fir trees stand tall. The arboretum is an enclosed area, which is great for dogs to explore and has plenty of benches for humans too!
Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire, Play Trail (1 mile): Perfect for families with children and dogs who need to blow off steam, this gentle trail passes by the woodland play sculptures dotted throughout Alice Holt Forest. And don’t worry; you can refuel with a picnic at one of the benches on the way!
Activities and family fun
2025 sees Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man arrive at 20 Forestry England forests, with waymarked trails and an activity pack. Help Stick Man get home to the family tree and complete lots of fun trail activities along the way.
Try…
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
Fineshade Wood, Northamptonshire
For other free family fun, there are over 30 playgrounds to be enjoyed across the country, with Gruffalo sculptures at more than 20 Forestry England forests. Pack some treats to enjoy at the picnic and BBQ spots in more than 40 forests, and keep an eye out for different family activity trails.
Fancy something different? Try your hand at the Disc Golf challenges at selected forests (members also enjoy a discount on Disc Golf).
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