This is an advert for November 2025. Any edits / reshares after this date have not been asked or paid for. As always, do check with the venue direct for up to date info as details can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest
Hamsterley Forest is County Durham's largest forest and a fantastic place to spend a day out with family and friends. We've been visiting with the kids since they were little and it's still a firm favourite.
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| Throwback photo from 2014 |
There's lots to fill a full day including:
- Waymarked walking trails through the forest for all abilities
- Disc golf in the woods
- Themed trails for children (a Stick Man Christmas Trail launches on 8 Nov 2025)
- Cycling routes for everyone from beginners on their first bike to extreme mountain biking
- Gruffalo sculptures
- Viking themed play areas
- Dedicated Wallace & Gromit themed dog walking route
- A Wellbeing walk & complimentary wellbeing journal
- A lovely cafe and good facilities including toilets, maps and a visitor information point
Before we jump in with lots of photos and info, here are the key points you need to know:
- Hamsterley Forest is FREE to visit
- The forest is not served by public transport
- There's a large car park (parking charges apply and vary - £7.50 for 4 hours for example)
- DO NOT type Hamsterley Forest into your SatNav as it will take you around the world. Instead, make sure you use postcode DL13 3NL
- Dogs are welcome and it is a popular spot for dog walking. Please keep dogs on leads next to the play areas and where signs request it
- Toilets including accessible toilets are available in the car park
- Some areas of Hamsterley Forest are accessible including the Viking Play Trail
- You will find lots of info including cafe opening hours, current events and more here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest
- And make sure you follow Hamsterley Forest on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/HamsterleyForest
Disc Golf at Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is now home to their very own Disc Golf Course. Located just a short walk from the visitor centre / entrance, it is FREE to play at any time with your own discs or you can hire discs from the information point between 10am and 3pm on weekends and school holidays. No need to book in advance.
The information point is located in the same building as the cafe near the main car park (see below).
The information point is located in the same building as the cafe near the main car park (see below).
Once you've played, you can leave the discs in a box at the course so you don't need to carry them around with you for the rest of the day which is super handy.
The Disc Golf Course is super easy to find - simply follow the black 'Disc Golf' signs. In a nutshell, cross the silver bridge, walk along the river keeping it on your right, then when you spot the Gruffalo, turn left and you will see the entrance sign up a short hill.
You are provided with a complimentary score sheet with Disc hire too.
If you're not familiar with Disc Golf, it's lots a fun for all ages but I would say probably best suited to families with kids aged 6+, older children, teens or groups of adults.
There are 9 baskets in the woods and 9 starting points - one for each basket. The aim of the game is to get your Disc into the basket in the least amount of throws.
We had such a fun time playing this. It's like a much MUCH more chilled version of mini golf. There are no bottlenecks or queues though, just peace, quiet and fun in the forest.
We played as two adults and a 14 year old with minimal prior experience and generally hit the basket with 1 or 2 shots above par so I would say it was just the right amount of challenge for us. There is certainly room for improvement though and I'm sure we will play again next time we visit to see if we can better our scores.
Disc Golf is played on natural woodland floor which is bumpy with tree roots and the surfaces are uneven. There are trees and plants to navigate and I think the terrain would be a struggle for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The baskets are fairly close together and there is minimal walking / it's not somewhere you would end up lost.
The satisfaction you feel when you hit the target is fantastic - the achievement combined with the fresh air and natural forest setting does wonders for your wellbeing.
I would definitely recommend families try a game and add Disc Golf onto a walk or day out at Hamsterley Forest.
I liked that each basket let you know how many metres you needed to throw your disc, the general direction to throw and the hole par.
Steve came out on top, Jack a close second and myself third. I would say we spent 30-45 minutes completing the course.
And when you're done, simply post your Discs in the box near basket 9.
Find out more about Disc Golf: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest/disc-golf-hamsterley
The Gruffalo (& friends) at Hamsterley Forest
One of the reasons I love visiting Hamsterley Forest is because you can meet the Gruffalo (and some of his friends). The main Gruffalo sculpture is close to the main entrance along the river bank and you just have to take a photo. The detailing is incredible!
You may spot a few of the Gruffalo's friends as you walk along the new Stick Man Christmas Trail too. Available from 8 November, you can pick up a trail pack from the visitor centre of cafe for £4 (includes a magic reveal lens, trail leaflet, festive stickers and wooden Stick Man key ring to take home).
The trail is 1.5 miles in length, pushchair/wheelchair friendly and a lovely winter walk to enjoy with children.
Find out more: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest/the-stick-man-trail-hamsterley-forest
The trail is 1.5 miles in length, pushchair/wheelchair friendly and a lovely winter walk to enjoy with children.
Find out more: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest/the-stick-man-trail-hamsterley-forest
Walking & Cycling for Everyone at Hamsterley Forest
If Stick Man isn't for you or you fancy trying an alternative route, there's a walk for everyone at Hamsterley Forest.We didn't have our dog Fozzy with us on our last visit but I love that there's a dedicated 'Forest Walkies' dog walk which has been designed with dogs in mind.
We did try the 2.5 mile Wellbeing Trail which conveniently starts just next to the Disc Golf. It's a leisurely stroll with stopping points for you to pause and try some mindful activities using the board prompts. Perfect for those who need some proper time out.
You can pick up a complimentary Wellbeing Journal from the information point too.
All routes are clearly signposted.
We're not a family who cycles a lot but Hamsterley Forest is super popular with those who do. There are dedicated cycling courses in the forest for all abilities from those just starting out on their first bike up to experienced mountain bikers looking for their next thrill.
There's lots of info on cycling and walking routes at the information point or online here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest/activities
And of course, you don't need to follow a set route. We usually visit Hamsterley Forest in winter when there is frost on the ground and let me tell you, it's just gorgeous being all wrapped up and walking amongst nature.
Our recent trip in Autumn was just as beautiful and the trees and surroundings were just stunning.
The Viking Play Trail at Hamsterley Forest
The Viking Play Trail is located near the cafe / main car park and the perfect way to enjoy the forest surroundings with children.
There's a pushchair friendly path on both sides of the bubbling Bedburn Bech with Viking themed play equipment and challenges to try. Think Long Boat Ships carved from wood, balance beams, climbing nets, dens to hide inside, slides and more. It's fantastic and a brilliant opportunity for imaginative play.
The Cafe at Hamsterley Forest
On our last visit, I ordered the posh cheese on toast which is made with no less than five different types of cheese. Such a treat!
Just browsing their FB page (here) makes me hungry. Current cafe opening hours are Mon-Fri 10am-3pm and Sat/Sun 9am-4pm. They do close on Christmas day and selected dates in January for maintenance so check their page before visiting. Trust me though, you won't want to miss a trip.
Hamsterley Forest is a day out we have enjoyed as our kids have grown and we still love it now as much as we did when we first started visiting.
Plan your own adventure here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest
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