Why Forestry England Forests Are Perfect for Family Walks: Costs, Benefits & What to Expect

Walking with Kids: Why Forestry England Forests Make Life Easier

Let’s be honest – when you suggest a “family walk,” children don’t always leap up with joy. More often than not, you’ll hear: “How far is it?” or “Do we have to?” And yet, every parent knows that once they’re outside, running about, spotting squirrels, and stomping through leaves, they forget the drama and actually enjoy it.

That’s where Forestry England forests are a lifesaver. They aren’t just random footpaths in the middle of nowhere (though that’s my kinda walk, I appreciate it’s not for everyone!). Forestry England walks are well thought-out, family-friendly, and packed with extras that make life easier.

I’m talking about trails for every age, actual toilets (whoop), playgrounds, and even Gruffalo sculptures to keep little legs moving. Add in (usually) affordable parking or a membership pass, and you’ve got yourself a year’s worth of budget-friendly adventures.

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How Much Does a Day Out at a Forestry England Forest Cost?

This is the bit parents really want to know: what’s the damage to the wallet?

• Parking: Usually between £2–£12 for the whole day depending on the site.
• Membership pass: From £36 for one forest (unlimited parking all year) or £94 for all sites in England.

For comparison, that’s about the cost of one cinema trip with the children. Except instead of being stuck indoors with overpriced popcorn for 2 hours, you’re outdoors, they’re running off energy, and you can go back again and again for a whole year!

💡 Related read: Is a Forestry England Pass Worth It?

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Walks for Every Age and Ability

Here’s where Forestry England really shines: they’ve thought about families at every stage.

Pushchair-Friendly Walks

If your little one is more “nap in buggy” than “trek the hills,” plenty of sites have wide, surfaced routes. You won’t be wrestling a pram through mud or lifting it over tree roots.

Gruffalo & Activity Trails

Got younger children? Many sites have themed trails like Gruffalo sculptures, or Stickman adventures. These keep children motivated – suddenly they’re not “walking,” they’re hunting for characters and excited for their next photo!

Longer Family-Friendly Routes

Older children who want more of a challenge can tackle waymarked routes that stretch a few miles. These usually loop back to the car park – I don’t know about you but I much prefer a circular walk!

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Facilities That Keep Parents Sane

We’ve all been on those walks where 10 minutes in, someone needs a wee, someone else wants snacks, and the whole thing falls apart. Forestry England gets it. Most sites offer:

• Toilets (game-changer)
• Cafés (coffee = happy parents)
• Picnic tables (so you’re not balancing sandwiches on your knees)
• Playgrounds (brilliant bargaining chips: “walk the loop first, then play!”)
• Bike hire & Go Ape at larger sites (for when you’re feeling adventurous [and flush!])

You can genuinely make a whole day of it without feeling like you’re roughing it, and without spending a fortune either.

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Why Forestry England Forests Are Great for Kids

Children thrive outdoors, and Forestry England spots give them just enough freedom to feel adventurous – without you panicking they’ll disappear or run into a car!

• Safe, wide paths for scooters, bikes, or just tearing about.
• Wildlife spotting: deer, woodpeckers, squirrels (sometimes cheekier than the children).
• Natural play: climbing fallen logs, balancing on stumps, getting gloriously muddy.
• Seasonal magic: bluebells in spring, shady woods in summer, conkers and crunchy leaves in autumn, frosty trails in winter.

Basically, it’s free entertainment that doubles as fresh air and exercise. What’s not to love?

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Family Days Out That Don’t Break the Bank

Let’s face it – keeping children entertained is expensive. Soft play, theme parks, aquariums… your bank balance takes a hit every time.

A Forestry England forest day out is the opposite. Pack a picnic, bring a football, and you can spend the whole day exploring without spending much at all. Even if you splash out on ice creams or a café stop, it’s still a fraction of what you’d normally pay at many other child-focussed facilities!

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Example Family-Friendly Forestry England Sites

Here are a few tried-and-tested Forestry England sites we have visited in the Midlands to get you started:

• Delamere Forest (Cheshire): Walking, biking, Gruffalo trails, Go Ape, café, and a lake. Great all-rounder.
• Cannock Chase (Staffordshire): Miles of walking and biking, from family trails to red and black MTB routes. Playgrounds, café and Go Ape on site.
• Haughmond Hill (Shropshire): Scenic spot, with a choice of walks, Stickman, wildlife, and biking.

Wherever you’re based, there’s probably a Forestry England forest within driving distance.

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Tips for Visiting with Kids

• Snacks, snacks, snacks: the ultimate motivator!
• Spare clothes: especially socks. Mud has superpowers.
• Check trail maps: some routes are better for prams, others for bigger children.
• Download the Forestry England app: handy for maps, facilities and spotting nearby forests.
• Bring a football or frisbee: open spaces are perfect for a quick game!

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Why We Keep Going Back

For us, Forestry England forests tick every box:
✔️ Affordable
✔️ Family-friendly
✔️ Easy to get to
✔️ Enough variety that the children don’t get bored
✔️ Lots of sites across England

It’s the kind of day out where everyone comes home tired in the best way. The children sleep like logs (pun intended), and you feel like you’ve had an actual adventure without needing a holiday loan.

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, outdoorsy way to spend more time together, Forestry England forests are a winner.

Have you visited a Forestry England site? What did you love about it?

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