Explore any county in the UK and you’re bound to stumble upon a mythical woodland brimming with towering trees and babbling brooks. Forests are perfect for long woodland walks, outdoor adventures, and family outings. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature or relive your favourite childhood story, CrossCountry is exploring the biggest, most beautiful, and oldest forests in the UK to find out what truly sets them apart.
Best big forests in the UK
The UK is lucky to have vast areas made up of woodland, allowing us to lose ourselves in nature and explore landscapes that stretch for miles; great for a breathtaking hike or a cycling adventure. Protecting these natural spaces is essential, so when you visit, dispose of waste responsibly and leave the area just as you found it.
Galloway Forest Park
Galloway Forest Park is the biggest forest in the UK. Stretching 330 square miles across Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, the forest is a favourite for all kinds of outdoor activities, like hiking and mountain biking. It was also Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park and widely regarded as one of the best places to go stargazing in the whole of Europe. One of the many charms of the park is its red deer range, you can watch them all year round from a viewing platform and seeing these majestic animals is truly a sight to behold.
Kielder Forest
Kielder Forest is not only the biggest forest in England, it also has the largest man-made lake where visitors can canoe, sail, and water ski to their heart's content. The forest is known for its stunning collection of art and architecture that you can stumble upon as you walk through the site. Notable pieces include Silvas Capitalis, a haunting timber sculpture of a giant head that watches over the forest like a silent guardian, and Minotaur, a mind-boggling maze woven into the grounds of Kielder Castle.
Glen Affric
Glen Affric comprises thirty miles of woods in the Scottish Highlands. Take one look at Glen Affric and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you were in Canada. Snowy mountaintops are the backdrop to dense woodland and glistening lochs, all home to otters, red squirrels and even golden eagles. Hiking trails take you past waterfalls and through deep canyons – there really is no better place to connect with nature.
Most beautiful forests in the UK
Some forests stand out not just for their size but for their breathtaking beauty. These woodlands are straight out of a fairy tale, with ancient trees, hidden waterfalls, and moss-covered trails. However, their beauty comes not just from aesthetics but from their value to our planet.
All around the world, forest canopies are filtering out harmful pollutants allowing us to enjoy pure, clean air in our daily lives. However, while we can still enjoy these natural wonders, it’s essential to recognise the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect them for future generations.
Gwyndir Forest
Snowdonia is a truly beautiful landscape – so much so that its woodland flies under the radar. If it were anywhere else, more people would know about Gwydir Forest: a landscape circling the quaint village of Betws-y-Coed. Moss covers the tree roots and brooks stream from rocks in a forest that produces fairy tale nostalgia. Gwydir Forest is a transformational place to visit solo, with serene trails perfect for reflection, solitude, and quiet contemplation.
Ashdown Forest
Home to all things Winnie-the-Pooh, Ashdown Forest served as the inspiration for AA Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood. Take the Winnie-the-Pooh walks and discover Galleon’s Lap, Roo’s Sandy Pit, and even a Pooh Stick bridge which is perfect for children. It isn’t all things yellow bear, though; Ashdown Forest is situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with unbelievable views of the Sussex countryside.
The Forest of Dean
Home to a whopping 20 million trees, The Forest of Dean’s rustic woodland inspired JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Today, you can expect to see wild boar roaming, quaint villages sleeping, and rare plants flowering. It’s also home to one of the best sculpture trails in the UK, with pieces made from stained glass, stone, and wood.
Grizedale Forest
The Lake District may be famous for its water landmarks, but the space in between is filled with stunning woodland. At the heart of the region – between Coniston Water and Windermere – lies the 800-acre Grizedale Forest. Features like Carron Crag are stunning viewpoints of the area, while several trails take you past towering trees and trickling streams. Look out for the sculpture trail – one of the first in the country.
Best ancient forests in the UK
There are forests to be found in the UK with thousands of years of history. Walking in the footsteps of kings, rogues, and adventurers is an exhilarating experience and the stories you’ll uncover within these forests will stay with you for a lifetime. Why not pay a visit and add your own chapter to their millennia of history?
New Forest
William the Conqueror’s old hunting ground, the New Forest isn’t actually that new at all. Its 300 square miles of woodland is home to some of the oldest trees in the UK and is also one of the largest areas of pastureland in the UK. Famous for its 5,000 ponies, you’ll discover a treasure trove of wildlife on your walk. Follow the walking trails and you’ll stumble upon quaint villages that have been plucked straight out of a fairy tale.
Southampton Central and Bournemouth border the national park, ideal for combining city and countryside trips. For direct access, take a CrossCountry service to Brockenhurst.
Delamare Forest
Just south of the hustle and bustle of Manchester is Delamere Forest, a serene woodland with trees that have existed for over 11,000 years. Its swampy area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is home to mallards, great-crested newts, Canada geese, and other rare wildlife. Hiking trails take you to the depths of the forest, including Blakemere Moss, a wetland area formed in the Ice Age.
Epping Forest
Epping Forest has a long and illuminating history. Evidence suggests that it dates back to the Mesolithic period, and since that time it’s seen royal hunting, SSSI designation, and a whole host of rare wildlife enter its premises. What makes Epping Forest special is that it’s so close to London, making it one of the easiest and best forests for Londoners to visit.
Sherwood Forest
Best known for being Robin Hood’s old stomping ground, Sherwood Forest is probably the most famous woodland in the UK. Little has changed since men in green tights stole from the rich and gave to the poor: many of the 500-year-old trees remain standing, with one even thought to be over 1,000 years old. Take a wander and you can find Europe’s largest collection of ancient oaks, rare mammals, insects, and birds.
Sherwood Forest is accessible from the market town of Chesterfield, which you can reach by train with CrossCountry. Just catch a service to Chesterfield station from locations such as Derby, Nottingham, and Sheffield.
If you’re planning a trip to one of the best forests in the UK, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia