Dalby Forest is a beautiful location in North Yorkshire, it’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to explore, and we finally had our first visit! It’s such a great place to go on a nice day.
It’s a large forest offering outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, including hikes, trails, bike trails, Go Outdoors, and more.
Highlights of Dalby Forest
Brand New Gruffalo Party Trail
The Gruffalo Party Trail is packed with fun for the whole family. Kids can join a hunt to find missing party items for the Gruffalo’s birthday. Colourful signs guide you, which is exciting for children to spot and follow.
The trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s short but packed with adventure, making it perfect for a quick outing or a first-time visit. Don’t miss the play area nearby to keep the fun going!
Dark Sky Discovery Site
Dalby Forest is a recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site. This means you can enjoy incredible stargazing opportunities here. The forest’s low light pollution makes it one of the best places to view the night sky.
Bundle up on a clear evening and spot constellations, shooting stars or even planets.
No special equipment needed—bring your eyes and maybe a pair of binoculars. Families love this magical experience under starry skies. The staff at the visitor centre can provide further information about events or tips for first-time stargazers.
Wallace and Gromit Forest Walkies
This is a 2.7-mile-long trail with an incline, but it is perfectly manageable for young children. It’s a dog walking trail that features signs every so often, offering a variety of games and challenges for you and your dog. You can also buy a Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack for just £5 if you enjoy activity packs, but you can complete the trail without it.
Stick Man Trail
This is a 1.2-mile-long trail where you can follow Stick Man on his journey back to the family tree. Again, you can purchase an activity pack for £4, or complete it without one.
Miles of Trails for All Abilities
There are 17 trails with over 60 miles of paths winding through Dalby Forest, offering options for every skill level.
Try the gentle green routes if you prefer an easy walk. More experienced hikers can tackle the red routes, which test stamina and navigation skills.
The Ellerburn Trail is wheelchair and pushchair-friendly. It’s perfect for families or those needing an easy route. The Adderstone Loop takes you through tall trees and quiet corners. This 4-mile walk is a great choice for calm surroundings.
If you are craving stunning views, try the Bridestones Trail. It’s about 5 miles long and leads to striking rock formations. The forest welcomes dogs, too! Plenty of open spaces let them roam while you enjoy your walk. Signs clearly mark each route, making it easy to follow without a map or phone handy.
Benches are scattered along trails for rest breaks or quick snacks. Some paths pass streams flowing with clear water—a lovely spot to take a break.
Outdoor Activities at Dalby Forest
Cycling and Mountain Bike Trails
There are 10 biking routes, ranging from beginner to advanced. The green trail is suitable for families or first-time riders, with its easy path and short completion time. The most challenging trail is the famous Dalby Forest mountain bike trails, like “World Cup” if you love challenges. Bike hire is available onsite, so no need to bring your own gear.
Don’t forget the skills area! Practice jumps, turns, and other skills in a safe environment. Parking is conveniently located near most trailheads, making access quick and easy.
Go Ape Adventure Park
Swing through the treetops at Go Ape Adventure Park. This thrilling spot offers zip wires, wobbly bridges, and Tarzan swings—perfect for adventure seekers of all ages. There is a Treetop Adventure, suitable for those 4 years and older, and a more challenging one for those over 10 years old.
Family-Friendly Features
Dalby Forest is packed with fun spots for kids and cosy spaces for families—there’s so much to discover together!
Play Park and Stream
The play park offers fun for kids of all ages. Swings, climbing frames and slides keep little ones entertained. Parents can relax nearby while children explore safely. There is a shallow stream that runs by the park. It’s perfect for splashing on warm days or building small dams with pebbles. Kids love the chance to get their boots muddy!
Picnic Areas
After enjoying the picnic areas, head to the Dalby Forest visitor centre where you will find clean toilets, baby-changing facilities, and indoor seating. It’s also where you can pick up trail maps, buy activity packs for the themed trails, and find the gift shop and café.
Visitor Centre Facilities
After enjoying the picnic areas, head to the Visitor Centre where you will find clean toilets, baby-changing facilities, and indoor seating.
You can get maps or brochures here, too. The gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, toys, and locally made items. For a quick bite, grab something at the café, which serves tea, coffee, and snacks. There’s even free Wi-Fi.
Opening Times
Daily Opening: The forest site is open 8 am – 8 pm, allowing for early morning or evening visits.
Visitor Centre Hours:
- March – October: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
- November – February: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Pricing and Tickets
Planning your trip? Here’s a quick rundown on pricing and ticket info for Dalby Forest. Have a look below:
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Car Parking | Between £3 – £15 |
| Annual Membership | £64 per year for unlimited visits |
| Go Ape | From £20.95 |
| Bike Hire | Starting at £25 per day |
| Picnics and Play Areas | Free |
Prices cover most activities, but some extras might need a separate ticket.
The pricing table (Car Parking £3–£15, Annual Membership £64, Go Ape from £20.95, Bike Hire from £25) needs a caveat as prices change annually.
Prices were correct as of March 2026 and are shown as a guide only. Check the Forestry England website and Go Ape website directly for current pricing before booking.
Parking Availability
Parking at Dalby Forest is easy. There are several car parks nearby, so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem. Charges apply based on how long you stay. Pay stations accept cash or card payments. Parking fees help maintain the forest, so your visit contributes to its upkeep. Once parked, it’s just a short walk to many trails and fun areas in the forest.
Food and Drink Options
Dalby Forest has cosy cafés and food stalls. You can grab sandwiches, hot meals, or sweet treats. Tea, coffee, and cold drinks are also available for a quick refresh.
Pack your own picnic if you prefer. There are plenty of tables scattered around the forest.
Accessibility Information
Paths in the forest cater to all abilities. Many trails are wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly, featuring smooth surfaces and gentle gradients.
Accessible parking is available near key spots. The visitor centre offers disabled toilets, ramps, and wide entrances for easy access.
What We Did At Dalby Forest
We visited Dalby Forest around midday and followed the Wallace and Gromit trail, as we had our four-year-old with us on his bike. It was a great trail, with the first half featuring an incline and the second half being mostly downhill.
The views were stunning, it took us about an hour in total, but we did stop for a bit so my son could have a snack.
Afterwards, we went to the cafe and got drinks and something to eat. They sold standard things you would expect. Drinks, sandwiches, sausage rolls, jacket potatoes and cakes.
We sat outside as it was a lovely day, and my son loved the adventure park. He had a lot of fun playing on the various playground equipment, and then we all went down to the stream next to the park. It was a lovely, clear stream, and children were paddling through it. I imagine this will be a hot spot during summer!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Dalby Forest and are considering purchasing an annual pass. It’s a great way to spend either a full day or a few hours!
Frequently Asked Questions: Dalby Forest
What are Dalby Forest opening times?
Dalby Forest is open every day except Christmas Day. The forest itself opens from 8am until dusk. The Dalby Forest visitor centre is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Hours may vary on bank holidays — check forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest for any changes.
How much does it cost to park at Dalby Forest?
Parking at Dalby Forest costs between £3 and £15 depending on how long you stay. An annual membership (£64 at time of writing) gives unlimited visits, which works out good value if you visit regularly. Check current prices on the Forestry England website.
What can you do at Dalby Forest?
Dalby Forest has over 60 miles of walking and cycling trails across 17 routes. Key activities include the Gruffalo Party Trail, Wallace and Gromit trail, Stick Man trail, Go Ape adventure park, mountain biking, dark sky stargazing, a play park with a stream, and a visitor centre with café and shop.
Is Dalby Forest good for toddlers?
Yes — we took our four-year-old and he had a brilliant time. The play park, the stream, the themed character trails, and the easier walking routes are all well-suited to young children. The Ellerburn Trail is pushchair-friendly too.
Where is the Dalby Forest visitor centre?
The Dalby Forest visitor centre is located within the forest off Dalby Road, near Thornton le Dale in North Yorkshire. There is free parking for visitors. The postcode for sat nav is YO18 7LT.
Is Go Ape at Dalby Forest suitable for young children?
There are two Go Ape options — Treetop Adventure is suitable for ages 4 and up, while the full Treetop Adventure Plus is for ages 10 and up. Both must be pre-booked. Check goape.co.uk for current prices and availability.
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