Sence Valley

The toilets are currently unavailable. Further investigations have shown that more extensive improvement works are needed so they will remain closed for longer than originally expected.

The bridge at Pisca Lane is temporarily closed. There is a diversion in place. Please follow the signs.

Due to Storm Austen Sence Valley is closed to all visitors on Friday 23 October 2026. We will re open as soon as safety checks have confirmed the site is safe on Saturday 24 October 2026.

Visitor information

How to find us

Sat Nav Postcode:

LE67 6NW

Sence Valley , Ibstock , Leicestershire

By Car

The main entrance is on the A447.

Ravenstone Road on the outskirts of Ibstock, Lecistershire.

By Public Transport

Local bus routes into Ibstock from surrounding area, Sence Valley is a short walk from bus stops.

OS Grid Ref

SK 404113

Get directions

Parking and prices

Parking charges apply at Sence Valley.

Pay by card (card payment machines in both car parks) or by phone.

By using cashless parking provider RingGo you can pay, park and get on with your day easily. Find out how it works here. Visitors can pay either via the RingGo app, through the RingGo website or via phone by calling the RingGo dedicated phone number.

Our car park gates are managed by volunteers; please be respectful and do not park in the main entrance when the gates are closed (as this creates hazards for road users and blocks emergency access).

Visit often? Members park for free. Buy Sence Valley membership now for £30 to simply park and go while supporting your favourite forest. Or choose to buy a Forestry England national membership for £8 a month (£96 a year, annual contract applies) and enjoy visiting forests all over the country, including nearby Hicks Lodge and Cannock Chase Forest. Membership covers the whole household.

Members: This site has barrierless ANPR. You do not need to display your membership car disc here, your number plate will be recognised. Please visit Manage My Membership if you need to update your vehicle registrations. Only one vehicle is permitted per visit. Free parking for Forestry England national members and Sence Valley members only.

Thank you for your support. Because of you, we can make our forests even better.

Parking Charges

Parking charges
Up to 1 hour	£2.20
Up to 2 hours	£2.80
Up to 3 hours	£3.50
Over 3 hours	£4.50

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses £6

Motorbikes £3

Horseboxes and trailers £6

Height restrictions apply (2.1m) and you will need to contact us at least 2 weeks before your visit so we can arrange for the height barrier to be unlocked for you.

Additional information

Become a national member for only £8 a month (£96 a year) and visit as often as you like for free - Join now

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest. View our easy access trails page to find other forests with accessible parking.

Facilities and access

There are no bins at Sence Valley. Please follow the Countryside Code and take your litter home with you where it can be disposed of properly and recycled where appropriate. Thank you for keeping the nation's forests clean, safe and beautiful.

View Accessibility Guide

Accessible toilet
Cafe
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Picnic area
Toilets
Wildlife hide

Sence Valley

Discover Sence Valley’s history, take a walk or spot some wildlife

Located north-west of Leicester, discover Sence Valley’s history. Once part of a large coal mine that closed in 1996, Forestry England planted 98,000 trees in 1998, transforming the valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors. In 2018 a further 48 hectares (102 acres) of the original opencast was acquired which has now been planted with 100,000 trees which will develop into a mature woodland. A Cherry Tree avenue has also been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the forming of the Forestry Commission.

Explore the mixed forest on our network of trails or test your navigation skills around the wood on our orienteering courses. A bird-spotter’s paradise, 150 bird species have been recorded in the area so make sure to stop by the bird hide and viewing screen to try and spot the rare diving birds or the grebes!

Trail map

At a glance

Know before you go; take a look at our pre-arrival information before your visit and have a watch of our new video guide

This autumn and winter, we're piloting a new inclusive volunteering programme to help more people take part in forest volunteering. Get in touch if you'd like to try out our taster sessions.

What's on

Forest event

Ranger Guided Walks- National Forest & Churnet Valley

Various dates

Various times

Locations across the National Forest

IDK? That’s ok! A season of FREE ranger and volunteer-led nature ID walks for beginners. Join us after work (or for a long lunch break!) for a 1-2hr leisurely forest walk, and an...

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Things to do

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Feel good activity bag at Sence Valley

Connect with nature through sensory exploration and uncover the wellbeing benefits of forests.

Immerse yourself in the soothing forest with our Feel Good in the Forest activity bag...

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Picnics at Sence Valley

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at Sence Valley. Just bring along good food and company!

There are three picnic areas near to both car parks and also at a scenic point next to...

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Walking trails at Sence Valley

Explore Sence Valley on its surfaced trails that run throughout the woodland, and around the lakes.

Some informal tracks through the trees have been created with the on-site...

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Wellbeing trail at Sence Valley

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Take some time for you and try our new wellbeing trail...

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