Low Dalby, near Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering, North Yorkshire

Dalby Forest

Forest recreation landscape

Place photograph

7.4

Wildland

Half day, Full day

Time

Paid

Cost

Wild

Feel

ForestRemote countrysideWalkersCyclistsFamiliesYoung childrenPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.4

An 8,000-acre forest landscape in the North York Moors, with walking and cycling trails, family-themed trails, sculptures and a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site.

Dalby Forest is more than a place to stretch your legs: its scale, varied trail options and dark-sky status make it a substantial outdoor destination. Choose a walk or ride to suit your time, then stay after dusk only if conditions and current access arrangements allow.

Wild · Big-sky · Family-buzz

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Low Dalby, near Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering, North Yorkshire

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The experience

Allow at least a couple of hours to explore a trail; a longer visit can combine walking or cycling with the forest’s family features. Dalby is also identified as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, but check conditions and current access before planning an evening visit.

Things to do

Explore a forest trail

Choose from the walking trails and explore the forest at a pace that suits your visit. The supplied sources do not provide a specific route or distance.

Ride the cycling trails

Dalby is promoted for cycling and mountain biking. Check current route information and any requirements before riding.

Look for the forest sculptures

Keep an eye out for sculptures dotted through the forest, as noted in the supplied visitor information.

Try a themed family trail

The supplied source describes Gruffalo and Room on the Broom trail features. Check current availability and details before visiting.

Look to the night sky

Dalby is identified as a Dark Sky Discovery Site. A clear night is needed for good viewing; check current forest access before planning an evening visit.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

A short forest escape

01
Check current visitor information and parking charges before setting out.
02
Choose a walking trail suited to your time and follow it through the forest.
03
Look out for the forest sculptures along the way.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it

01
Choose a walking trail or cycling route that suits your group and experience.
02
Add a family trail feature, such as the Gruffalo or Room on the Broom trail, if relevant.
03
Allow time at the visitor centre; confirm facilities and opening times before travelling.

Hidden details

A Dark Sky Discovery Site — Dalby Forest is described as a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site. Check current access and conditions before planning a night visit.

When to go

· For stargazing, a clear night; for other activities, check current trail and visitor information before setting out.

The supplied sources describe activities available across the forest but do not establish a best season or seasonal peak.

Check the forecast and trail conditions before visiting. Clear skies are important for stargazing.

What to look for

Look out for the forest’s sculptures and, on the designated family trails, Gruffalo and Room on the Broom features. Dalby is also identified as a Dark Sky Discovery Site.

Best time to go

Year-round; choose a clear, dark evening for stargazing, and check trail conditions before setting out.

For stargazing, choose a clear night and check conditions and access in advance. For other visits, pick a trail that matches your available time and check current visitor information.

How long to spend

Half day, Full day

Perfect for

Walkers · Cyclists · Families · Young children · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Scarborough YO13 0LW

Google rating

4.6 · 452 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Forestry England describes the forest as open daily. Vehicle access and parking are chargeable; arriving by public transport or bicycle is free. Check current access and charges before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Barriered, chargeable parking. Forestry England lists charges by duration; members park free. Check current charges and car-park arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

A café is reported at the visitor centre in the supplied source row; check current opening and facilities before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Forestry England reports accessible parking spaces across several car parks. Check its current access information for route and facility details.

Check before visiting

Cost