Our Guide To The Best Forests In The UK

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire:

Famous for its legendary connection to Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is an ancient woodland that covers over 1,000 acres. It offers scenic trails and is home to the iconic Major Oak, an 800-year-old tree with a rich history.

New Forest, Hampshire: 

A stunning National Park with ancient woodlands, heathlands, and grassy plains. New Forest is a haven for wildlife, including the famous New Forest ponies that roam freely. It offers a variety of walking and cycling trails to explore.

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire: 

This magical forest offers a mix of ancient woodlands, lush valleys, and dramatic viewpoints. The Forest of Dean is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, mountain biking, and even caving.

Epping Forest, Essex: 

Located just outside of London, Epping Forest is a large expanse of ancient woodland, providing a peaceful retreat for city dwellers. It offers numerous walking and cycling paths, making it an easily accessible nature escape.

The Lake District National Park, Cumbria: 

While known for its stunning lakes and mountains, the Lake District also boasts beautiful woodlands. Places like Whinlatter Forest Park offer picturesque trails amidst majestic trees.

Northumberland National Park, Northumberland: 

This national park is famous for its rugged landscapes and charming woodlands. Explore the beauty of Kielder Forest or the enchanting Harwood Forest for a true nature getaway.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

The inspiration for A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories, Ashdown Forest is a unique area of heathland and woodland. It offers tranquil walks and stunning views across the Sussex countryside.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon: 

While known for its dramatic tors and moorland, Dartmoor also features ancient oak woodlands. The Wistman's Wood, with its twisted trees draped in moss, is a must-visit spot within the park.

The Peak District National Park, Derbyshire: 

This diverse national park encompasses beautiful wooded areas. The woodlands around Dovedale and Longshaw Estate offer fantastic walks and picturesque scenery.

The South Downs National Park, Sussex and Hampshire: 

Rolling hills and chalk grasslands characterize the South Downs, but it also has pockets of serene woodlands. Areas like Slindon Estate and Queen Elizabeth Country Park provide delightful woodland walks.

Trossachs National Park, Stirling:

Often referred to as "The Highlands in Miniature," Trossachs National Park is a breathtaking expanse of woodlands, lochs, and mountains. The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park within the Trossachs is a paradise for hikers, offering well-marked trails and stunning viewpoints.

Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway: 

As the UK's first Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest is a haven for stargazers. During the day, the park's woodlands and lochs provide a picturesque setting for walking and mountain biking adventures.

Cairngorms National Park, Highland: 

While famed for its rugged mountain landscapes, the Cairngorms also boast ancient woodlands. Rothiemurchus Forest, within the park, is a charming woodland area with delightful walking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Glen Affric, Highland: 

Often described as Scotland's most beautiful glen, Glen Affric is a stunning mixture of Caledonian pine forest, shimmering lochs, and towering mountains. It offers scenic hiking trails and is a perfect place to reconnect with nature.

Argyll Forest Park, Argyll and Bute: 

Argyll Forest Park offers diverse woodlands and picturesque lochs, covering a vast area of the Cowal Peninsula. The enchanting Puck's Glen, with its waterfalls and moss-covered boulders, is a must-visit attraction.

Faskally Wood, Perth and Kinross: 

This magical woodland near Pitlochry is particularly famous for its stunning autumn colours. The forest features a variety of walking trails and is a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll.

Nevis Forest, Highland: 

Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, Nevis Forest is a beautiful woodland area offering a mix of pine and deciduous trees. The Steall Falls walk is a highlight, leading to a magnificent waterfall amidst the forest.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Stirling: 

The woodlands around Loch Lomond are a delightful place to explore, with numerous walking trails and opportunities for wildlife watching.

Abernethy Forest, Highland: 

Part of the Cairngorms National Park, Abernethy Forest is one of Scotland's ancient Caledonian pine forests. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive Scottish wildcat and the iconic capercaillie.

Pentland Hills Regional Park, Edinburgh: 

Located close to Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills offer a diverse range of woodland walks and hikes. The park's proximity to the city makes it an accessible nature retreat.

Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd: 

Known for its stunning mountains, Snowdonia is also home to enchanting woodlands. Coed y Brenin Forest Park, situated within Snowdonia, is a mountain biker's paradise with an extensive network of thrilling trails.

Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys:

Fforest Fawr, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, is a magnificent forest offering picturesque walks to stunning waterfalls, including Sgwd yr Eira.

Gwydyr Forest, Conwy: 

This magical forest in North Wales boasts a network of walking trails leading to serene lakes and cascading waterfalls, making it a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.

Afan Forest Park, Neath Port Talbot: 

Popular among mountain bikers, Afan Forest Park offers thrilling trails and panoramic views, making it an adventure playground in the heart of South Wales.

Coed y Brenin Forest, Gwynedd: 

This beautiful forest is renowned for its outstanding mountain biking trails, offering challenges for all skill levels. It's a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Hafren Forest, Powys: 

Nestled in the heart of Wales, Hafren Forest features walking trails along the River Severn and captivating views of the Cambrian Mountains.

Clyne Woods, Swansea: 

Located near Swansea, Clyne Woods is a tranquil escape with diverse woodlands, meandering paths, and stunning vistas over Swansea Bay.

Margam Country Park, Neath Port Talbot: 

As part of the historic Margam Estate, the country park boasts woodlands, ornamental gardens, and a deer park, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.

Penllergare Valley Woods, Swansea: 

This hidden gem near Swansea offers peaceful woodland walks, Victorian gardens, and a rich history, including links to the renowned horticulturist John Dillwyn Llewelyn.

Newborough Forest, Anglesey: 

Situated on the picturesque Isle of Anglesey, Newborough Forest offers a mix of pine trees and sandy dunes, providing a scenic backdrop to explore on foot or by bike.