Visitor information

Get outdoors at Haldon Forest Park this winter

Banish the winter blues and boost your wellbeing in the forest.

Whether you want a quiet stroll in the crisp air or a challenging hilly hike, we have a walking trail for you. The whole family can join your winter wanders with our bookable mobility hire.

Haldon Forest Park’s all-weather cycling trails are perfect for every rider. From your kids’ first balance bike, or if you’re a seasoned pro, we promise you won’t get bored. Our cycling experts, Forest Cycle Hire, have a huge range of bikes available, including e-bikes, adaptive cycles, and tag-alongs.

If that isn’t enough, why not try our orienteering courses, Go Ape courses, running routes, play areas, Nordic walking trails, or just enjoy a picnic in your favourite spot? See all our things to do.

Why should you visit Haldon Forest Park?

Haldon Forest Park's trails and activities are only 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot, just off the A38. Haldon Forest Park is the perfect place for great value days out with kids, friends, and family, or taking some time for yourself.

Whether you’re looking to entertain the family, get active, connect with nature, or just make unforgettable memories, look no further than Haldon Forest Park.

Haldon Forest Park accreditation logos for Visit England, Devon's Top Attractions, and Tourism for All

 

At a glance

Check back soon for our brand new family activity trail!
Help us protect the countryside. Never light a BBQ, campfire, or stove in the forest at any time of year.
A woman is riding a Tramper next to a walker

Explore Haldon Forest Park with an all-terrain mobility scooter

Our all-terrain mobility scooters are available for hire to anyone with limited mobility aged 14+. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a scooter. Our scooters are easy to use and can tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine.
Event logo for Haldon Forest Bark

Our annual doggy day returns on Saturday 9 May 2026 with trade stands, activities, competitions, and fun dog show.

Three runners wearing high viz and head torches

Sportiva Events' popular night trail races return to Haldon Forest Park on 17 January.

Forest event
Every Monday
10.30am to 12.00pm

Join a friendly walk leader for a stroll through the woods every Monday at 10:30am.

What to expect

We are a small, welcoming group who walk slowly and enjoy the views and pit stops...

Forest event
Every Monday
12.45pm

Join qualified Nordic walking instructor, Fiona Swan, for the low impact fitness-boosting benefits of Nordic walking in a social group.

This group is for walkers who have completed...

Food and drink

Jacket potato and salad

The Ridge Cafe

Refuel at the Ridge Cafe, serving a range of freshly prepared light bites and drinks every day.

You Can Sauna offers a sanctuary to improve your health and connect with nature in their authentic, wood-fired sauna.

Immerse yourself in the traditional heat for a unique and...

Whether you’re looking for play and adventure or a bit of peace and quiet this winter, Haldon Forest Park has the perfect walking trail for you, just 15 minutes from Exeter.

Choose

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Don’t let winter keep you indoors! Haldon Forest Park’s cycle trails are open all year round and there’s nothing more refreshing than a bike ride through the frosty forest.

Whether...

Haldon Forest Park's Discovery Trail is ideal for walkers, beginner cyclists of all ages, and novice runners. The Discovery trail is home to our family activity trail and is packed...

Our work

A young nightjar on the ground

Our work at Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest Park is not just one of Devon’s most loved outdoor destinations, it sits within 1500 hectares of working forest that stretches across the Haldon Hills. Since the 1920s, Haldon Forest has been managed by Forestry England to grow timber for the nation. It has also become a special place for nature and includes a large Site of Special Scientific Interest. Find out how our dedicated recreation and forest management teams care for Haldon Forest.
A woman in a red coat with hood up carries a child, wearing a red rain suit, along a forest path

Trail maps at Haldon Forest Park

Walking, running, cycling and horse riding. Plan your visit and download the map you need.

Nearby forests

Panoramic view from Mamhead towards the Exe Estuary

Just five minutes from the A38 and A380, Mamhead is a perfect sanctuary for a dog walk, family stroll, or just to enjoy some peace. 

Make up your own route or choose from two...

Birch tree blocking out the sun with winding branches

Once part of the Stover Estate, Great Plantation is located just north of the market town of Newton Abbot in the heart of South Devon.

Explore this mixed woodland which is home to...

Bellever Tor rising above Bellever Forest

Bellever Forest is an unmissable stop on your visit to Dartmoor National Park. Explore one of several waymarked walking trails, discover incredible archaeology, take in the...

Shaded walking trail in Stoke Woods, Exeter

Located north of Exeter, Stoke Woods is a great place to get in touch with nature. Stoke Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has large areas of ancient...

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