Visitor information

Dalby Forest, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park offers the perfect place to escape, relax and adventure

Home to over 8,500 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest.

A visit to Dalby will uncover many magical things such as The Gruffalo orienteering course, Gruffalo Party Trail, some of the very best mountain biking trails and endless stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, get the adrenaline pumping at Dalby Activity Centre and Dalby Forest Cycle Hub or test your nerve and swing amongst the trees on our Go Ape courses.

Dalby Forest is home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species and is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye. Join our stargazing partners, AstroDog to find out more and book on an event.

If one day leaves you wanting more, join us as a member! With heaps of benefits such as free parking, discounts in the cafe, Go Ape and Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, there's tons of reasons to join. Click here for more information.

A Visitor Centre building made out of wood with a large glass frontage.

Discover our Visitor Centre

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is home to a range of facilities, from an on-site shop full of local products to a cosy cafe with delicious cakes and treats. Many trails start here and information is available from our friendly team.

What's on

Forest event
August 2024 - January 2025
Available all day
Start from Nissen Hut car park
Discover captivating sculptures as you immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity on the Malton Sculpture Trail in Dalby Forest.

Malton Sculpture Trail comes to Dalby Forest in an...

Forest event
Various dates
7pm - 9pm
Dalby Forest Courtyard

Join Astro Dog for a magical evening of stargazing in Dalby Forest.

Astro Dog offer exciting, interactive, stargazing sessions in the enchanting setting of Dalby Forest. Dalby...

Forest event
Saturday 7 December to Sunday 8 December
10am to 3pm
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre

Find the perfect gift for your loved ones this festive season at Forestry England Dalby. From 7-8 December we are hosting a range of local artisans and makers for a weekend full of...

Forest event
Wednesday 18 December
6:30pm - 9pm
Dalby Visitor Centre

Join us to celebrate the winter solstice and prepare your body and mind for a cosy, fulfilling winter.

Hosted by The Balance Rooms, Dalby is offering a special Winter Solstice...

Food and drink

A cappuccino and croissant on a table with pieces of chopped logs

Food and Drink at Dalby Forest

Discover the two cafes located in the Low Dalby valley. Both are designed to be to the perfect places for a refuel and recharge, whether you've been out cycling the trails with friends, or gone for a easy-paced wander through the forest.

With Father Christmas starting his preparations for the festive season, we have a range of activities to get you in the spirit. There is something for the whole family!

Real...

Make a new Christmas tradition with family filled festive fun and cheer!

Wrap up warm, head to Dalby Forest and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Christmas trees are on sale...

If you have short or long term limited mobility, enjoy one of our free all-terrain mobility vehicles.

You do not need to be registered disabled.

How to book

We recommend booking...

Dalby Forest has hosted artists for many years, providing a place to create unique pieces, inspired by the stories of the forest and its naturally distinctive qualities and...

Our work

A mental and glass sculpture of a dragonfly wing

Dalby Forest Arts Programme

Forestry England presents the Arts in Dalby Forest - a collection of artworks that have been inspired by the unique landscape, heritage, people and wildlife of this forest.

Nearby forests

River running through Cropton Forest

Nestled at the base of the North York Moors National Park, Cropton Forest is an idyllic coniferous forest that is brimming with an abundance of wildlife.

With two Forest Holidays...

A view across an open valley with small villages and towns in the distance. With tops of trees in the foreground

Experience stunning views and visit the iconic Kilburn White Horse at Kilburn Woods.

Kilburn White Horse is the most northerly turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous...

The forest in summer with soft sunlight hitting the trees

Discover the most breath-taking views as you take a walk through stunning natural scenery at Guisborough Forest.

Nestled between Teesside and the North York Moors, Guisborough...

A sparse woodland with blue skies behind. On the forest floor is brown bracken.

The area is very flat making it great if you want an easy stroll through the peaceful woodland. It is also very popular with wildlife experts, especially entomologists looking for...

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England