Hamsterley Forest
Redford
Hamsterley Forest
County Durham
DL13 3NL
Tel: +44 01388 488312
Book Tickets
Prices
Hamsterley Forest has introduced a new ticket-less parking system which uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), please read the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.
You can now pay for parking with card, cash or by phone app.
How do you pay by phone?
If you'd prefer not to visit a pay station or forget your payment card, you can now pay using your smart phone and the ‘Trust’ parking payment app (available to download on Google Play and Apple Store).
Forgotten to pay?
You can now pay off-site up to midnight on the day of your visit with the ‘Trust’ parking payment app for smart phones.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Weekdays and weekends in off peak times:
Under 20 minutes - £0.00
Up to 1 hour - £3.00, Up to 2 hours - £5.50, Up to 4 hours - £7.00, All day - £8
Coaches/Minibuses charges: Minibuses - £14.00, Coaches - £20.00
Additional information
Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member - Find out more at Hamsterley Forest's website.
Number of accessible parking spaces: 4
Coaches/Minibuses welcomed
Disabled parking available
Gradings
- VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards
- Visit England
VAQAS 2021
- Visit England
Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017
- Regional and Miscellaneous
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016
TripAdvisor

- Excellent238
- Very Good129
- Average31
- Poor20
- Terrible30
Recent Reviews:
- Paul DTimings!! Get it rightThursday, 14th November 2024Had a lovely afternoon walking around the forest the only thing that let it down was the fact that after a long walk which I had planned to finish in time to enjoy a coffee at the cafe at the visitor... Read full review
- shaunaj668Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyFun day out for a 2 year old adventurerSaturday, 8th February 2025Went today with my partner and 2 year old. We went on the stick man trail and bumped into the gruffulo. There was always something for him to climb on and have fun. This will definitely be somewhere... Read full review
- Claire JTrip Type:FamilyA great day outFriday, 21st March 2025We had a very enjoyable day here with our 3 year old son, there was so much to see and do well have to make another trip as we didn’t fit it all in! The Gruffalo trail was a real highlight as well as... Read full review
Facilities
Accessibility
- Access Statement - Please see below
Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge) - Weekdays and weekends in off peak times: Up to 1 hour £2.00, All day £7.00 Peak - Bank holiday weekends: Peak £10.00 Coaches/Minibuses charges: Minibuses - £12.00, Coaches £18.00 Pay on exit system in place. Number plate cameras will record your entry, just input your car registration at a pay station just before you leave and pay. All our pay stations accept card payment ONLY (except the one next to the Café which takes both cash and cards)
Provider Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
Access Information
Opening Times
2025 (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) |
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* Forest open all year round (24 hours a day) for access on foot or by bicycle. Main Bedburn car park is open 24 hours a day. Forest Drive and associated car parks are open 9am-4pm (weekends Apr-Oct, 9am-5pm). No overnight parking.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Nearest major road is A68. Follow brown 'Hamsterley Forest' signs from A68 north of Bishop Auckland.
Public Transport Directions
Unfortunately, there is no public transport available to the forest