Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham, Surrey/Hampshire border

Alice Holt Forest Arboretum

Forest recreation landscape

Place photograph

5.6

Wildland

Half day, Full day

Time

Paid

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

ForestWoodlandFamiliesYoung childrenWalkersCyclistsDogs

Why it's Wildland

5.6

A large, working forest with room for both quiet woodland walks and a full family day out. Follow a trail beneath the trees, then choose between play areas, Gruffalo sculptures, the giant marble run and other activities at the visitor area.

Alice Holt offers more than a quick forest stroll: its 247 hectares combine woodland trails with a range of family activities, while quieter walking and wellbeing trails give visitors a calmer way to explore. It is a substantial, accessible forest recreation landscape rather than a remote wilderness.

Peaceful · Family-buzz

Find your way

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Bucks Horn Oak, near Farnham, Surrey/Hampshire border

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The experience

Explore waymarked walking trails in a 247-hectare forest, or build a more activity-filled visit around the play areas, Gruffalo sculptures, giant marble run and café. Cycling trails are also described by visitor and car-free travel sources. Check current activity availability and any charges before setting out.

Things to do

Walk a waymarked forest trail

Choose one of the walking trails through the forest. Forestry England also highlights a wellbeing trail for visitors seeking a quieter outing.

Find the Gruffalo sculptures

Follow the forest play trail and look for the Gruffalo and other story characters among the trees.

Try the giant marble run

Forestry England describes a giant marble run with six zones. Check current availability and charges before visiting.

Explore by bike

Cycling trails are listed for the forest. Check current route information and bring or arrange a suitable bike.

Take a quieter woodland break

Forestry England recommends its walking and wellbeing trails for visitors looking for peace and quiet.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick forest escape

01
Start at the Forestry England visitor area.
02
Choose a waymarked walking trail for a short woodland outing.
03
If visiting with children, finish by looking for the Gruffalo sculptures and other story characters on the play trail.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it

01
Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest car-park periods.
02
Spend time on one of the forest’s walking trails, or choose a cycling trail if you have a bike.
03
Add a play-area visit, the Gruffalo sculptures or the giant marble run.
04
Take a break at the café; check its current opening hours before your visit.

Full Wildland day · Full day

A full forest day

01
Begin with a longer woodland walk or a cycling trail.
02
Take time for the forest’s play areas and Gruffalo sculptures.
03
Try another listed activity, such as the giant marble run or disc golf, checking availability and any charges in advance.
04
Pause for a picnic or visit the café, then finish with a quieter walk or the wellbeing trail.

Verified history

A supplied visitor-information description characterises Alice Holt as a former royal oak forest associated with naval shipbuilding timber and Romano-British pottery. The supplied sources do not provide dates, named people or specific historical remains for visitors to locate, so these details should be checked against a dedicated heritage source before being expanded.

When to go

· Arrive before 10:30am or after 2:30pm to avoid the busiest car-park periods, according to Forestry England.

The supplied sources describe trails and visitor activities available as forest experiences but do not establish a particular best season.

Check the forecast and current trail conditions before travelling. No specific weather or seasonal access advice is provided in the supplied sources.

What to look for

Look out for the Gruffalo sculptures and other storybook characters along the forest play trail. The sources also describe the forest as historically associated with royal oak and Romano-British pottery, though they do not identify specific remains to look for on a visit.

The story

Industry, Archaeology

Best time to go

Year-round

For a quieter visit, Forestry England recommends avoiding the busiest periods by arriving before 10:30am or after 2:30pm. Woodland walks are possible year-round; conditions and seasonal appeal will vary.

How long to spend

Half day, Full day

Perfect for

Families · Young children · Walkers · Cyclists · Dogs

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

54HR+W5, Farnham GU10 4LJ

Google rating

4.0 · 1 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Forestry England-managed forest with visitor access and waymarked trails. Check current access information before travelling. Arriving by car requires paid parking; Forestry England lists free admission for visitors arriving on foot, by bike or by public transport.

Check before visiting

Parking

Paid car parking. Forestry England advises that the car park can be busy at weekends and during school holidays; arriving before 10:30am or after 2:30pm may help. Charges vary by season and visit length; check current prices before travelling.

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Toilets

Toilets, accessible toilet and changing places facility listed by Forestry England. Check current availability before visiting.

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Food & drink

A café is listed on the Forestry England visitor information page. Check current opening hours before travelling.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Forestry England lists a dog wash and welcomes assistance dogs. Keep dogs under control and check local restrictions, particularly around play areas.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Forestry England lists an easy-access trail, accessible parking, an accessible toilet, changing places facilities and all-terrain mobility scooter hire. Check its access information for route-specific details.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid