Uk's best family-friendly forests to explore this summer

SO MANY FORESTS HAVE KID-FRIENDLY WALKS AND SCULPTURE TRAILS TO MAKE A DAY OUT EXTRA FUN FOR LITTLE ONES 05:00, 06 Jun 2025 This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a

commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more There's nothing quite like spending a sunny day in the great outdoors with your family - and where better to explore nature than

in a beautiful forest? With their ancient trees, winding paths and fascinating wildlife, they can be the perfect place to spend a glorious summer's day with your little ones. Merseyside

has a number of options when it comes to selecting a forest to spend a family day out - with even more destinations just a short drive away. The outdoor experts at analysed the number of

kid-friendly trails, Tripadvisor reviews, Instagram posts and Google search popularity to reveal the best forests for families to explore in the UK. In fifth place on the list is Delamere

Forest in Cheshire, which is only a 45 minute drive from Liverpool. It has eight kid-friendly trails, including a Stick Man themed trail inspired by the Julia Donaldson story. There are also

a number of Gruffalo Sculptures and a Gruffalo orienteering course. Families can enjoy picnic areas, Go Ape Tree Top Adventure and Segway tours, as well as disc golf and a play area. The

Forest of Dean takes first place with a score of 9.91 out of 10. Its nine family-friendly trails, from the engaging Sculpture Trail to the picturesque Mallards Pike Short Circular, wind

through the woodland providing endless outdoor fun. From Go Ape and canoeing to the Dean Forest Railway, there’s a wide range of activities to keep children of all ages entertained. Plus,

with its appearances in popular TV shows and films like Merlin, Doctor Who and Harry Potter, it’s a must-visit for any film-loving family. Taking the second spot is the New Forest with a

score of 9.8. With 175 kid-friendly trails to choose from there’s a route to suit every age and ability, depending on if your family is in the mood for a longer hike or an easier walk. A

range of wildlife can be found in the forest, including ponies, deer, birds, donkeys and more, making it an engaging and educational experience. With the forest national park home to a range

of attractions like New Forest Water Park, Paultons Park, canoeing and laser tag, it's easy to turn your forest visit into a full day out. Rounding out the top three is Epping Forest,

scoring 9.14. The woodland offers 31 kid-friendly trails, from the Willow Circular to the Epping Forest Holly Trail, making it easy to find a route that suits your family’s abilities. The

forest is home to a wide range of wildlife such as sheep and cattle, giving children the chance to spot animals along the way. Epping Forest also has a range of great attractions that the

family can explore including Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Connaught Water and The View Visitor Centre. These are the UK's 10 most family-friendly forests, according to the Millets

guide: * Forest of Dean, Gloucester, England * New Forest, Hampshire, England * Epping Forest, Essex, England * Coed Y Brenin, Snowdonia, Wales * Delamere Forest, Cheshire, England *

Thetford Forest, Norfolk and Suffolk, England * Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England * Gwydir Forest, Snowdonia, Wales * Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire, England * Wyre Forest,

Worcester, England Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast, at Millets, said: “The UK is home to several impressive forests that the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s spotting wildlife

or enjoying a gentle stroll, forest adventures are a great way to spend quality time together and take a break from screens. “To get the most out of your experience, make sure you come

prepared. Packing waterproofs is a good idea in case of a sudden downpour as the British weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Article continues below "Sturdy

footwear is also recommended, especially if you plan on exploring muddier paths. “For kids, dressing them in lightweight layers, like fleeces, waterproof jackets and t-shirts, makes it easy

to adjust their outfit as the weather changes, helping to keep them comfortable throughout the day. Wellies are ideal for any muddy trails, while waterproof trousers will help keep them dry

during their forest adventure.”