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Affordable autumn adventures await families in the North East’s forests this October half-term.
Looking for unforgettable days out that won’t break the bank this October half-term? Forestry England invites families to explore the magic of the nation’s forests, where a wide range of affordable and free activities are waiting to be discovered.
From illuminated trails to outdoor adventures, the nation’s forests offer the perfect setting for autumnal fun, fresh air and quality time together.
Highlights of October half-term activities in the North East.
Family trails:
Stick Man family adventure trails, Hamsterley and Kielder Forests
Set off on a magical woodland adventure with Stick Man this autumn. Running across 24 forests in England, including two in the North East, these activity trails invite young explorers to help Stick Man find his way back to the family tree.
Children can enjoy nine interactive activity stations and six spotter panels, where they'll build with sticks, learn about forest wildlife, and discover the wonders of woodland birds and their nests. Families can also buy an activity leaflet for just £1, and young adventurers will receive a special sticker as a keepsake.
Cost: £1 per activity leaflet. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Wallace & Gromit’s Forest Walkies, Hamsterley and Kielder Forests
This autumn is your last chance for you and your dog to have a cracking adventure with Wallace and Gromit! Take fun challenges with your four-legged friend, solve crossword clues and explore the great outdoors on a Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit – and you could even win an amazing dog-friendly holiday.
Available at 21 forests across the country, the routes are packed with games, challenges, and plenty of laughs for the whole family, including your dog! Don’t have a four-legged friend? No problem! The trail now includes a Find Feathers McGraw activity, making it just as fun for humans, too.
Simply download the route on the OS Maps app before you head out and remember to pick up your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack (£5) for tips, activities, and extras to make your woodland adventure truly unforgettable!
Cost: £5 per pack. App: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Gruffalo sculpture trail, Hamsterley and Kielder Forests
Head into the deep dark wood to find the Gruffalo character and his friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. Each hand-carved sculpture is placed in different positions, can you find them all? Little ones will love meeting Mouse, Owl, Fox, Snake and Squirrel as well as the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's child!
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Try disc golf at Hamsterley Forest
Disc golf is a brilliant way to get your teens and tweens away from screens and into the forest this autumn. Players throw frisbee-style discs at fixed targets throughout the woodland course. Just like traditional golf, the player who completes the course with the fewest goes wins! It's affordable, fun, and lets you enjoy the outdoors while playing against friends and family.
Cost: £3.50 per disc or £12 for four discs. Members pay £3 per disc or £10 for four discs.
Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Family cycling adventures, Hamsterley and Kielder Forests
With over 2,500 km of cycling trails and family-friendly off-road routes, the nation’s forests are the perfect destination for a family bike ride this autumn. Experience a kaleidoscope of colour as you pedal along dedicated cycling trails, skills areas, and beginner mountain bike routes, ideal for introducing your children to the joys of cycling. So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful ride through nature.
Cost: Free, bike hire charges and parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
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