Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Visitor information

Come and explore our wonderful world of trees

Bedgebury is an award winning visitor attraction with something for everyone. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.

The National Pinetum is home to a world-leading collection of conifers and contains over 12,000 specimen trees. The trees and landscape create a beautiful setting for peaceful walks and picnics in the rolling hills and valleys of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Bedgebury National Pinetum is awe-inspiring for tree lovers looking to learn about tree species of international conservation importance and see them up close!

Bedgebury Forest  has miles of trails for family cycling and mountain-biking, walking, and running. Enjoy climbing, jumping, sliding and swinging on the Play Trail with a range of play areas for different ages or explore the canopy on a Go Ape tree top adventure or tree top challenge. The Bedgebury cafe at the visitor centre has wonderful views of the pinetum and is set beside one of many lakes. You may also find Gruffalo and friends hiding at Bedgebury Pinetum!

Plan your visit

Bedgebury National Pinetum - Marshal's lake autumn colour

Conifers at Bedgebury National Pinetum

Our special tree collection includes conifers from around the world and is breathtaking in its size and grandeur. Bedgebury is important on a global scale for species conservation, scientific advancement and the understanding of conifers. Find our more about Bedgebury National Pinetum and search our living library of trees using the interactive Pinetum Explorer map.
A family holding hands looking at the colourful trees
Forest event
Friday 15 November 2024 - Wednesday 1 January 2025 - Selected evenings
Time slots vary by date

A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through our world-leading collection of conifers.

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a place to make new...

Forest event
19 July to 30 September
Available all day

Established in 2018 by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Parker Harris, Earth Photo is a world-leading international programme dedicated to engaging...

Forest event
Tuesday 30 July
9.30am - 3.30pm
Meet at the Visitor Centre

Bright Sparks Forest School Summer Camp for 7 to 12 year old's

Kent High Weald Partnership's popular Forest School-inspired Summer Camp at Bedgebury Pinetum is back for another fun...

Forest event
Sunday 25 August
10am to 4.30pm
Visitor centre
Come along to meet the Gruffalo himself at our fun day! 

The Gruffalo will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Gruffalo-themed activities on...

Our cycle trails offer something for everyone, from beginners and families looking for a fun day out, to adrenalin junkies looking for a challenge.

Follow our 9km family cycle trail...

Each week Bedgebury hosts a range of different fitness and wellbeing activities.

Relaxing and rejuvenating sessions give beginners a helping hand and offer guidance and coaching for...

2024 is The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday year and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all...

Take some time for you on our wellbeing trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest 

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost...

Our work

A view across a lake with lilypads, a bridge and scarlet red autumn colour

Our work

Bedgebury National Pinetum is home to the largest conifer collection in the world and is important on a global scale for species conservation, scientific advancement and the understanding of conifers. Open all year round, Bedgebury is awe-inspiring for tree lovers as well as a beautiful setting for peaceful walks, and picnics around the rolling hills, valleys, and lakes.

Our history

A bench surrounded by trees and a view across a valley

Our history

Discover Bedgebury's history and learn about the first curator and world-renowned expert on conifers, William Dallimore who developed the internationally important collection of conifers and stunning vistas we see today. Established in 1925, Bedgebury Pinetum is the result of a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Family following a map in the forest

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest map

Spend an entire day exploring 350 acres of the National Pinetum, the largest conifer collection in the world and 2200 acres of Bedgebury Forest with miles of family cycling, mountain-biking, walking, and running trails.

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