Bullers Hill, Kennford, near Exeter, Devon

Haldon Forest Park

Forest recreation landscape

Place photograph

6.2

Wildland

Half day

Time

Paid

Cost

Family-buzz

Feel

ForestHillsFamiliesWalkersCyclistsPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.2

A large Forestry England forest park above Exeter, where woodland trails share the landscape with mountain-bike routes, bridleways and a canopy adventure.

Haldon is less a secluded wilderness than a substantial, well-equipped forest playground. Its range of walking and cycling trails, accessible options and views make it a useful choice for an active day out near Exeter.

Family-buzz · Wild

Find your way

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Bullers Hill, Kennford, near Exeter, Devon

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Explore around here Get directions

The experience

Choose a walking trail for a short forest visit, or allow longer to combine walking with cycling, orienteering or another activity. The supplied sources do not establish a specific route length or a worthwhile off-site day itinerary.

Things to do

Choose a forest walking trail

Pick a trail to suit your available time and ability. The supplied sources mention the Discovery and Raptor trails, but do not provide enough route detail here to describe a complete circuit.

Explore by mountain bike

The source material describes purpose-designed cycling trails ranging from easier family options to more challenging off-road routes. Check current trail information and conditions before riding.

Try an orienteering course

Orienteering courses are listed among the park’s activities. Check the current course details and availability before visiting.

Look for a viewpoint

Viewpoints are noted in the supplied visitor information. The sources provided do not identify their locations, so check the current trail map for a route that includes one.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick forest escape

01
Start at the Forestry England visitor facilities and check the current trail information.
02
Choose a walking trail suited to your time and ability.
03
Pause at a viewpoint if your chosen route passes one, then return to the starting point.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it

01
Check the visitor information and select a walking or cycling trail.
02
Explore the forest at a comfortable pace, allowing time for a viewpoint or picnic stop.
03
If available and suitable, add a bookable activity such as Go Ape, orienteering or bike hire; check details and availability before travelling.

When to go

March · April · May · September · October · Check current opening hours; the supplied official source lists the forest as open from 7am to 9pm except Christmas Day.

The source row describes spring as a time of fresh growth and birdsong, and autumn as a season of changing woodland colour. These are general seasonal notes, not guarantees of particular wildlife or peak colour.

Check the forecast and trail conditions before visiting. The supplied source row notes that the forest can feel cooler and wetter than nearby urban areas.

What to look for

Look out for changing views across the surrounding countryside from the forest trails. The supplied sources mention viewpoints but do not identify a specific viewpoint or route.

Best time to go

Open year-round. Spring brings fresh growth; autumn offers woodland colour. Check the weather and trail conditions before setting out.

Visit in spring for fresh growth or in autumn for changing woodland colour. The forest is open year-round; check current opening information, weather and activity availability before setting out.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Families · Walkers · Cyclists · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

Forestry England says the forest is open daily, 7am–9pm, except Christmas Day. Parking is available and charges apply; check current details before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Forestry England car park; charges apply. Nearest postcode EX6 7XR. Check current parking prices before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

The supplied source row reports toilets, including accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities. Check current availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The supplied source row reports an on-site café. Check opening and service details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row describes the park as dog-friendly; check current Forestry England guidance and signage.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The supplied source row reports wheelchair- and mobility-scooter-suitable trails and mobility scooter hire. Check trail suitability and hire availability with Forestry England before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid