It's Adventure Time!
Explore the Great Outdoors...
Feel like you need to be far away from city life for a day or two? Or maybe you feel like it’s time for an adventure. Or perhaps you’re looking for something different to do with your spring break this year. Take a deep breath and inhale the fresh air in one of the marvellous forests that the UK has to offer. Here are our favourite ones to explore!
New Forest
Just 15 minutes away from Southampton lies New Forest. Whilst the name is “New Forest,” the forest is not actually new at all. It used to be a hunting ground and now remains one of the largest remaining forests of heathland, pastureland and forest in southern England. With all its walking trails, New Forest is the perfect place to enjoy nature, inhale some fresh air and get some exercise in. Whilst you’re visiting, the famous ponies are not to miss out on! There are around 5,000 of them all around the forest trails and grazing freely. And if you’re thinking about staying not that far away from New Forest, there are plenty of luxury lodges, cabins and cottages all around it!
- Fly to Southampton from Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Jersey, Manchester, Newcastle & Teesside International.
Haldon Forest Park
The beautiful Haldon Forest Park can be found just 15 minutes outside of Exeter. With forest trails perfect for a gentle stroll or even an exhilarating mountain bike experience, there’s something for everyone. You can hire a bike if you prefer not to take yours with you. From Orienteering to Segway rides, you will surely have a full, exciting day at Haldon Forest Park. And you can even see the wonderful Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) from the forest! If you’re going with children or if you would like a more relaxed day, the Mamhead Sensory Trail offers picturesque views along the Jurassic Coast.
- Fly to Exeter from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Norwich.
Belvoir Park Forest
Just a 15-minute drive away from Belfast, Belvoir Park Forest is easy to reach from Belfast. Unlike many other forests in the UK, Belvoir Park Forest is a working forest within a city, making it quite unique. The forest is full of birdlife and other wildlife, including the red squirrel, which is quite rare to see! Belvoir Park Forest is also great to visit for some stunning scenery and the wide choice of trails to explore, for both seasoned walkers and those who would like a casual stroll. There are also some historic sites within the forest, such as the Norman motte from the 12th century, the medieval graveyard, ice house and arboretum.
- Fly to Belfast City from Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness and Teesside International.
Cannock Chase
Located in the North of Birmingham, Cannock Chase Forest is full of exciting adventures, quite unlike most other forests. With activities such as Go Ape, a children’s play area, woodland walks to suit from beginners to the more daring and even cycling trails, Cannock Chase Forest is perfect for a fun family day out! There are also various events happening on most weeks, so we suggest checking out their timetables if you’re looking for something in particular. We recommend trying out Nordic Walking or horse riding for adults and for the younger ones, the Birches Valley junior parkrun. If you're planning on visiting in summer, on the 3rd of August, the 2022 Commonwealth Games will also be hosting their Mountain Biking event at Cannock Chase, and it's not one to miss out on!
- Fly to Birmingham from Aberdeen, Isle of Man & Inverness.
