Kielder Forest

Visitor information

Discover endless opportunity at England's largest forest

A visit to Kielder Forest will uncover many surprises. Get lost in the Minotaur Maze, discover the fascinating night sky or walk along the unique Lakeside Way, a 26 mile multi-use path around the lake which can be accessed from the visitor centre at Kielder Castle. 

Kielder Forest is also home to one of England's largest mountain bike trail networks.  Kielder Bike shop & hire is currently closed and going through a transition stage for the new company Team Cycles | About us, Kielder Bike shop & hire will re-open early 2025.

Kielder is a great place to see a variety of wildlife. From April to August, live camera footage is shown daily from Northumberland's only breeding osprey population which is now the largest natural colony in the UK with an impressive six nests per season. The nearby Kielder Salmon Centre gives a real insight the fantastic work the Environment Agency carry out in the area, including rearing salmon and also protecting pearl mussels.

Although it's England's largest forest, Kielder is not just about trees. At any one time, a quarter of the area of Kielder is open space, including England’s largest area of blanket bog. Kielder is also England’s most important red squirrel reserve, home to the biggest remaining population of red squirrels in the country.

Whether you've just bought your first bike or are searching out single-track, Kielder Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling.

With over 100 miles of trail, much...

Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company...

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...

Stay overnight for just £12!

We are happy to welcome campervans to stay overnight in our castle car park - there's nowhere quite like England's largest forest for a truly...

Our work

Open landscape image showing green and yellowing grass with part of a old stone wall. Rolling hills in the background.

Wild Kielder

Discover our plans to let nature lead the way on more than 6,000 hectares of Kielder Forest, making it an even most valuable place for wildlife to thrive and expand.

Nearby forests

small un-surfaced trail winding through dark autumnal trees to lake in the distance

With two nearby walking trails and a picnic area, Sidwood is at the heart of this delightful part of Kielder Forest, just two miles from the village of Greenhaugh.

Formerly part...

Raised walking path next to stream in the forest

At the northern end of Kielder Forest Drive, Blakehopeburnhaugh is the starting point for the Hindhope Linn walking trail. The trail leads you to the spectacular waterfall in an...

Picnic table at sunrise

More than just a picture perfect spot for your next picnic, Warksburn is overlooked by the famous Totem Poles of Stonehaugh village, adding some fascinating depth to the view from...

Conifer shadow forest

Located to the east of Kielder Forest, Fourlaws is a popular site in the heart of the Ridsdale community.

The forest offers visitors great walking opportunities and some unique...

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