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From peaceful woodland walks, gentle cycling and fun-packed activities to historic houses, hands-on visitor centres and sparkling lakes, there are masses of attractions to pack into your visit!
Visit brilliant attractions including Calke Abbey, Twycross Zoo, Conkers, Snibston, National Memorial Arboretum, Bradgate Park, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre, National Forest Adventure Farm, National Brewery Centre, Rosliston Forestry Centre and loads more!
Try the cycle trails at Hicks Lodge: National Forest Cycle Centre or the Conkers Circuit.
There is just so much to see and do - woodland walks, superb cycling, brilliant activities and loads of attractions to pack into your visit! So why not get out there and start enjoying The National Forest. You could make a weekend of it and see where there is to stay using the map.
Explore the cycle trails at Hicks Lodge: National Forest Cycle Centre or the Conkers Circuit at the heart of the Forest.
Try skiing or snowboarding at Swadlincote, archery and laser combat at Rosliston Forestry Centre or take a trek with a llama.
Walk among a sea of snowdrops in February, a blanket of bluebells in May or through the Forest's fiery displays of reds and golds in Autumn. Download fantastic walks across the three counties of the Forest - Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
Short walks
Walks up to 5 miles.
Medium walks
Walks from 5 to 10 miles.
Long walks
Walks over 10 miles.
Access for all
Specifically designed sites and attractions that are suitable for all abilities.
They include details of path surfaces and gradients; toilets and other facilities; inc. parking for the disabled.
Further reading:
Cycling sites
There are many Forest sites suitable for cycling.
Cycle hire
Hiring a bike couldn't be easier.
Cycle clubs
Contact our local cycling and triathlon clubs.
Find out more on Cycle Routes
Explore The National Forest on one of the cycle routes, the cycle trails at Hicks Lodge: National Forest Cycle Centre or the Conkers Circuit at the heart of The National Forest.
Survival skills and woodland crafts
The National Forest is one of the few places that you can have a go at ancient woodland crafts with Greenwood Days. Try pole lathe turning, willow weaving or making coracles, which date back thousands of years.
Our three survival schools show you how to make fire using flint or just wood, how to build shelters and identify plants and trees essential for survival in woodland. Find out more details and course dates for Woodland Ways, Survival School and Woodland Survival Skills
You can combine survival skills with Forest Four Wheel Drive on the new Voyager Course to learn the basics of expedition survival and driving.
Fishing is becoming an ever-more popular pastime in The National Forest with ever-more fishing lakes set within the growing woodland.
Both beginners and experienced anglers can hone their fly-fishing skills at Foremark Fishing Lodge, with expert tuition, day permits and top fly patterns all part of the package.
Make time to stop for a bite to eat at Shortheath Water and Beehive Farm Fishing Lakes, which have excellent tearooms on site!
It doesn't have to be all-go on your break in The National Forest. Treat yourself to a bit of 'me-time' at one of our three luxurious health spas. You can be pampered and feel the stresses of daily life simply ebb away. Bliss!
Try a hot stones massage, work out at the gym or just enjoy the warmth of a sauna at Champneys Springs, Eden Day Spa at Hoar Cross Hall and Reeds Health Club and Spa within Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel. Go on... you are worth it!
With quiet country lanes linking to sites where horse-riding is permitted, the rolling landscape of The National Forest is perfect to explore on horseback. Click through to the sites highlighted on the map to find out about riding routes and permit requirements or download the document below for information on horse riding facilities, such as suppliers and stables in The National Forest.
The British Horse Society has an Equine Mapping and Geographical Information Network – EMAGIN. This displays the National Bridle route Network for the whole of Britain and Ireland which benefits not only equestrians but also walkers and cyclists.
Not only can you drive a car around the famous Donington Park racing circuit but you can also learn how to negotiate the trickiest of obstacles with expert instruction from Forest Four Wheel Drive.
Why not try your hand at something new? There is a whole host of activities to try including BTCV Conservation holidays, special interest breaks, archery, llama treks or why not ski in the middle of summer at Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre. Find out where the local leisure centres are, including Hood Park in Ashby de la Zouch with its wonderful outdoor pool.
There are several pretty reservoirs across the area, which have playgrounds, open spaces for picnics and lovely woodland walks. Foremark and Staunton Harold reservoirs, also offer sailing and windsurfing. Fishing is also an ever-more popular pastime in the National Forest.
There is truly so much to do in the area
with interactive visitor centres and brilliant family attractions.
Journey through the past in our historic houses with their gorgeous gardens. Absorb the atmosphere in haunted
castles, ancient priories and impressive churches or discover the workings of a bygone age through the area's rich industrial heritage.
Or savour drift-away-days on a canal boating break, explore the wonderful woodlands and spot the wealth of wildlife here.
Brilliant attractions in the area include Calke Abbey, Twycross Zoo, Conkers, Snibston, National Memorial Arboretum, Bradgate Park, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre, National Forest Adventure Farm, National Brewery Centre, Rosliston Forestry Centre and loads more!
There are more than 400 new and mature woodlands open to the public. Many have been created as part of the growing National Forest and further planting continues.
The trees, ponds and wildflower meadows within these woodlands provide a wide range of habitats making The National Forest a great place to spot wildlife.
Download a copy of the Where to see wildlife in The National Forest leaflet.
Find out when and where to see wildlife in The National Forest as well as more information on habitats that are being created by visiting The National Forest - Nature Conservation.
Explore this Forest in the Making on one or more of our circular walks.
Or why not join us during the National Forest Walking Festival.
If you are searching for a special gift, looking for a souvenir from your visit or on the hunt for bargains, there is plenty of choice in the National Forest.
Make sure you take time to stop off in the pretty market town of Ashby de la Zouch and explore the galleries and antique shops in Tutbury and Melbourne.
Take home honey or wonderful pottery handmade by the monks at Mount St Bernard Abbey.
Browse around the wonderful shops at the Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts which, is home to craft workshops and the Ferrers Gallery. Barton Marina has beautiful shops along the waterfront promenade including The Butcher, Baker and Ice-cream Maker and the Toys of Yesteryear.
As you might expect, there are many excellent garden centres to visit in the area such as Byrkley Garden Centre, Planters at Bretby, Donington Nurseries & Walled Garden and Breedon Priory Garden Centre & Shopping Complex.
Take time to explore our waterways, wetlands and woodland lakes.
Aqua Narrowboats based at Mercia Marina shows you everything you need to know to man the helm and embark on your brilliant break. Barton Marina is an essential canal-side stop-off point near Burton upon Trent. Heading north, you can visit Shardlow, one of only two surviving inland canal ports in the country.
For shorter canal boat cruises hop on at Moira Furnace on the recently restored Ashby Canal or watch the scenery gently roll past for an hour's cruise to Stenson or Willington with Mercia Leisure Trips, based at Mercia Marina. On your return you can enjoy a coffee in the café, browse its shops and set off on a canalside walk. You can now also stay in the Mercia Marina's Waterside Lodges.
Both children and their older companions alike will love the interactive discovery centres and brilliant activities in the National Forest. Packed with places to take the whole family – whatever the weather!
Visit Twycross Zoo, Conkers, Snibston, National Forest Adventure Farm, Rosliston Forestry Centre, Highfields Happy Hens, Tropical Birdland, Beehive Farm and loads more.
Or why not have a go at pottery painting at Crackpotz Ceramic Café.
This area is steeped in history with ancient ruins, grand houses and sites that reveal the ingenuity of our industrial past.
Step back in time at National Brewery Centre, Bosworth Battlefield, Donington le Heath Manor House, Moira Furnace, Sharpe's Pottery Museum, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Melbourne Hall, Elvaston Castle, Catton Hall and the wonderful Calke Abbey.
You'll love Great Central and Battlefield Line Railways.
Take part in a ghost hunt at Tutbury Castle, a ghost walk at Grace Dieu Priory or a paranormal evening at Snibston.
But the most poignant link to our past is the National Memorial Arboretum.
With so much to explore and do in The National Forest you'll need more than just one day. So why not make a weekend of it and enjoy a forest holiday from just £99.
Read more: Short Breaks
Tree by tree a vast new forest is being created. You can help by joining the Friends of The National Forest. Thanks to your support, accessible woodlands teeming with wildlife will be created.
Ashby de la Zouch,
Leicestershire
Tour the impressive ruins of this grand medieval manor house set in extensive grounds. Explore the secret kitchen tunnel used during the siege, climb the 24 metre high Hastings Tower and enjoy superb views over the surrounding countryside.
Read more: Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Can you identify animal tracks or plants and trees vital for survival in woodland? Get to the heart of the woodland by learning bushcraft skills and ancient woodland crafts.
Read more: Forest Experiences.
With beautiful woodlands, country parks and pretty villages linked by quiet country lanes, the varied landscape of The National Forest, is perfect for cycling.
Read more: Cycling
Many lakes are now framed with growing woodland, attracting wildlife and creating a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing fishing trip.
Read more: Fishing
The new family-focused cycle centre at Hicks Lodge is now open offering 8 miles of circular, gentle and adventurous off-road trails, cycle hire and a cafe.
Read more: National Forest Cycle Centre
For those wanting a gentle cycle ride, a family walk, a wildlife ramble or a daily jog, the four and a half mile Conkers Circuit is ideal for all ages with easy to follow circuit markers and shorter loops within it.
Read more: Conkers Circuit
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 245 (The National Forest), 246 (Loughborough) and 233 (Leicester) cover the whole National Forest & Beyond area. Order your copy.
Order: The National Forest Shop
Swadlincote,
Derbyshire
The small farm contains a variety of animals, some of which can be met in our petting area. There is also a play area for under 10s, a pet shop and tea room on site.
Read more: Beehive Woodland Lakes
A large area of the River Trent floodplain close to Burton on Trent town centre. Attractions include Stapenhill Gardens, the Viking ship play area, a sculpture trail and nature walks. Wildlife can be found throughout the site, especially in the Burton Mail Woodland and on wildfowl scrapes. Angling, canoeing and rowing take place on the river through membership of local clubs.
Read more: Trent Washlands
The National Forest is one of Britain's boldest environmental projects, creating a Forest for the nation across 200 square miles of Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
Read more: Forest in the making
Combine a weekend break learning woodland crafts on a forest holiday from just £99. Check out the latest deals...
Read more: Short Breaks
Interest in edible wild plants has mushroomed over recent years. Why not join one of our excellent survival schools on a wild food or bushcraft course?
Read more: Woodland Survival Crafts
Read more: The Survival School
Read more: Woodland Ways
Packed with ideas on what to see in the National Forest, brilliant attractions and fantastic events.
Download: Visitor Guide
Hoar Cross,
Staffordshire
Health Spa resort in a stately home offering all of the amenities of a 4 star hotel and the very best in health spa equipment and treatment.
Read more: Hoar Cross Hall Health Spa
Kegworth,
Derbyshire
A family-owned hotel part of the Best Western group with award-winning restaurant and Reeds stunning health club and spa.
Read more: Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel & Reeds Health Club
Ashby de la Zouch,
Leicestershire
Champneys Springs is one of the most advanced health resorts in the country surrounded by wide-open parklands. A great venue for pampering, group get-togethers and informal conference facilities.
Read more: Champneys Springs Health Resort
Ibstock,
Leicestershire
A wonderful transformation from opencast to wildlife haven. 150 acres of woodland, lakes and meadow makes for great wildlife watching from the hide. Surfaced trails provide access for all abilities.
Read more: Sence Valley Forest Park
Walton on Trent,
Derbyshire
Catton Hall, built in 1745 by Smith of Warwick, has a fascinating history and collection of pictures, furniture and memorabilia. Private chapel. Gardens run down to the River Trent. Camping, fishing, cycle and horse riding trails all available for groups only by prior arrangement.
Read more: Catton Hall
The 5.7km Heritage Trail runs along the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway Line from the old station at Measham to Spring Cottage to join the B5004 and the Conkers Circuit.
Read more: Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.
Castle Donington,
Derbyshire
The World's largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars, with a display of over 130 cars within 5 halls, depicting motor sport history from the early 1900s to the present day.
Read more: Donington Grand Prix Collection
With so much to explore and do in The National Forest you'll need more than just one day. So why not make a weekend of it and enjoy a forest holiday from just £99.
Read more: Short Breaks
Swadlincote,
Derbyshire
Fun at 5mph. Off road instruction either in our Landrover or your own vehicle. Learn how to tackle humps, hollows, side-slopes, water, mud and ruts.
Read more: Forst 4WD
Make a difference to the environment on a conservation holiday. It is a great way to get outdoors, learn new skills and meet new friends.
Read more: BTCV Conservation Holidays
Enjoy the beautiful countryside accompanied by our friendly llamas, who carry a tailor made 3 course picnic. We offer from 1 hour to full day sessions. You feel calmer when you walk with a llama.
Read more: National Forest Llama Treks
Swadlincote,
Derbyshire
Come and experience the thrill of winter sports whatever the time of year. Ski or snowboard on perma-snow, the revolutionary ski surface, or whizz down in a toboggan or sno-tube.
Read more: Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre
18 - 30 May
If you like walking - you'll love the National Forest Walking Festival, which has been extended this year to cover 12 days of fantastic walks.
Join in the short, medium and long guided walks across the varied landscape of The National Forest. Discover canals, rural villages, reservoirs and woodlands and hear fascinating facts about the wildlife and local heritage of this beautiful area.
Read more: Walking Festival
Make sure you leave time for tea. Savour the delectable home-baked cakes in our award-winning tea rooms.
Read more: Places to eat
Book your break during the Walking Festival. Check out the latest short break deals from just £99.
Read more: Short Breaks
Many lakes are now framed with growing woodland, attracting wildlife and creating a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing fishing trip.
Read more: Fishing
Framed by woodland, this pretty reservoir offers excellent fishing, sailing and birdwatching and is on the route of two National Forest Walks: the Reservoirs Walk medium walk and the Oaks & Oaklands long walk.
Read more: Foremark Reservoir
You can enjoy bird watching, dinghy and sailboarding with the Staunton Harold Sailing Club. Coarse fishing is also available by contacting Burton Mutual Fishing Club. Walks link to Calke Abbey and Foremark Reservoir.
Read more: Staunton Harold Reservoir
Packed with ideas on what to see in the National Forest, brilliant attractions and fantastic events.
Download: Visitor Guide
Newtown Linford,
Leicestershire
Leicestershire's most visited country park. 830 acres of grass, bracken, rocky outcrops, majestic trees, deer herd, river and folly 'Old John Tower'. Shop, visitor centre, tea room. Bradgate House Ruins - birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. Swithland Wood - 146 acres of Ancient Woodland.
Read more: Bradgate Park & Swithland Woods
With so much to explore and do in The National Forest you'll need more than just one day. So why not make a weekend of it and enjoy a forest holiday from just £99.
Read more: Short Breaks
Embark on a relaxing canal boat holiday with Aqua Narrowboat Hire. Or for a shorter trip hop on at Moira Furnace to cruise along the recently restored Ashby Canal to Conkers.
Read more: Shakespeare Classic Line
Read more: Aqua Narrowboat Hire
Read more: Moira Furnace
Many lakes are now framed with growing woodland, attracting wildlife and creating a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing fishing trip.
Read more: Fishing
A large area of the River Trent floodplain close to Burton on Trent town centre. Attractions include Stapenhill Gardens, the Viking ship play area, a sculpture trail and nature walks. Wildlife can be found throughout the site, especially in the Burton Mail Woodland and on wildfowl scrapes. Angling, canoeing and rowing take place on the river through membership of local clubs.
Read more: Trent Washlands
Moira,
Leicestershire
Conkers, a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. Enter a world of adventure - explore 4 discovery zones with interactive exhibits, ride on the Conkerchoo train and go wild in the adventure play areas.
Read more: Conkers
Rosliston,
Derbyshire
Woodland walks, indoor and outdoor play, cycle hire, fishing and restaurant, as well as education programmes, birds of prey, archery, woodland laser and laser clay shooting.
Read more: Rosliston Forestry Centre
Coalville,
Leicestershire
Snibston offers an exciting interactive day out for all ages. Explore the history of Snibston Colliery with an ex miner and learn about new ways to make electricity.
Read more: Snibston Discovery Park
Ashby de la Zouch,
Leicestershire
Tour the impressive ruins of this grand medieval manor house set in extensive grounds. Explore the secret kitchen tunnel used during the siege, climb the 24 metre high Hastings Tower and enjoy superb views over the surrounding countryside.
Read more: Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Burton upon Trent,
Staffordshire
Claymills has four large beam engines (two working), five Lancashire boilers, steam powered engineering workshops with blacksmith's forge and steam hammer, early steam powered dynamo house and twenty other stationary steam engines. All engines are original to the pumping station.
Read more: Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Various locations
Discover hundreds of years of industrial history through five new trails across South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire. The trails highlighted in a new Industrial Heritage Trail leaflet include: Canals, Coal Mining, Railways, Limeworking and Framework Knitting.
Read more: Industrial Heritage Trail PDF (2.92mb)
Find out where to buy local produce in and around The National Forest.
Download: Food Guide
Make sure you leave time for tea. Savour the delectable home-baked cakes in our award-winning tea rooms.
Read more: Places to eat
Packed with ideas on what to see in the National Forest, brilliant attractions and fantastic events.
Download: Visitor Guide
Interest in edible wild plants has mushroomed over recent years. Why not join one of our excellent survival schools on a wild food or bushcraft course?
Read more: Woodland Survival Crafts
Read more: The Survival School
Read more: Woodland Ways
Can you identify animal tracks or plants and trees vital for survival in woodland? Get to the heart of the woodland by learning bushcraft skills and ancient woodland crafts.
Read more: Forest Experiences.
Come and enjoy this ever-changing landscape with a forest holiday from just £99. Check out the latest deals...
Read more: Short Breaks
The National Forest Company,
Enterprise Glade, Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA.
Email:
Telephone: +44 (0)1283 551211
© Copyright , The National Forest Company | Legal | Accessibility
Photography credits – Chris Beech, Gordon Hudson, YHA, SLB Photography and Hoar Cross Hall
