The nation's forests are for all to enjoy
This page offers helpful information help you plan a stress-free visit to Fineshade Wood.
Essentials
Toilets
We have two accessible toilets at Fineshade Wood, located in the atrium by the cafe. The doors are 900mm wide with no lip and are not power assisted. A RADAR key is not needed.
Changing Places
There is a Changing Places facility on site, located in the atrium by the cafe. The door is 890mm wide with no lip and is not power assisted. A RADAR key is needed to access this facility; you can borrow one from Forestry England staff or cafe staff if needed.
Needing help
Our friendly staff are first aid trained and are available at the welcome point (next to the cafe) between 8.30am and 4.30pm. Some staff have also undertaken accessibility training but not all.
Arriving at the forest
We have two car parks at Fineshade Wood - one main and one overflow. The main car park is nearest to the visitor centre. There is a bollard between the parking area and the entrance to the cafe and visitor centre, with approximately 1.5m of clear space on each side.
Car parking
We have five accessible parking bays at Fineshade Wood. They are situated in the main car park, closest to the welcome point and visitor centre.
Parking is not free and is payable via tall standing machines or in-person at the welcome point with a member of staff. Payment at machines and in person is only available via card. Payment via mobile app RingGo is also available.
The visitor centre
Access to the visitor centre is via a level, surfaced path. The welcome point is approximately 60m from the accessible parking spaces. Access is level throughout the car park, welcome point, courtyard and cafe.
Doors to the visitor centre are at least 1670mm wide and are not power assisted.
Inside the visitor centre there is seating and a cafe. Quiet music is often played but can be turned down or off on request.
Getting out in the forest
All-terrain mobility scooters are not available to hire at Fineshade Wood.
Mill Wood, Dales Wood and Smelters trails are all hard surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
Seating and shelter
Seating is available across the site and accessible seats are available in the courtyard by the cafe.
Other than the visitor centre and cafe, there is covered seating at the wildlife hide.
Trails and activities
Lots of our walking and cycling trails are comfortable for a range of abilities. See our things to do page for inspiration.
Below are our favourite accessible activities to try.
