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This December, Forestry England is inviting families across the North East to create lifelong magical memories in the nation's forests. From Christmas tree shopping to winter walks, as well as activities for all the family this holiday season there’s plenty to enjoy as the big day approaches.
Pick your perfect tree
Make your Christmas extra special this year! Head to Hamsterley Forest to choose a fresh, beautifully scented Christmas tree and enjoy its magic all season long.
From the first evening of decorating, to discovering presents beneath branches on Christmas morning, a real tree will be the centrepiece of your celebrations. Pick yours up from a forest near you and get ready for your merriest Christmas yet!
Trees are available at Forestry England Hamsterley every day until 14 December between 10am and 4pm. Free parking with every tree purchase.
Team up with Stick Man and Santa!
Make magical memories between the trees. Join Stick Man and Santa in the frosty forest for magical activities and help him deliver a special gift to the family tree.
Trail packs are just £4 and include a ‘magic’ present reveal lens, festive stickers, and a wooden Stick Man keyring to treasure at home, pick up your pack at the information point before setting off on your family adventure.
Hunt for the Gruffalo between the trees
Frostier days and longer nights don’t mean an end to family adventures! Little ones (and bigger ones too) will love hunting for the Gruffalo and friends – wrap up warm and head out on a Gruffalo hunt!
Enjoy a Disc Golf adventure
Whether you’re looking to try something new or have played before, we’ve got everything you need to enjoy a fun-packed game of disc golf among the trees – grab the family and enjoy our new 9-hole course! It’s easy to pick up but difficult to master, who can complete the course with the least throws?
Hire discs from the information point during weekends and school holidays (£3.50 each, £12 for 4, discount for Forestry England members) and enjoy a fantastic family day out.
Breath in the crisp winter air
Memories are made outside and there’s no better place than the nation’s forests. Get the blood pumping with a winter walk as you enjoy stunning views, keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the benefits of being outside under the trees. With many different trails of different lengths and difficulty there’s something for little legs right up to long distance hikers, call into to the information point and chat to the team to help plan your perfect day.
Hit the cycling trails
Wrap up warm and enjoy a forest ride. Adrenaline junkies will love Hamsterley’s singletrack trails and with miles of forest road routes to enjoy there’s plenty for gravel riders as well.
Rest and reset with a wellbeing walk
The festive period can sometimes be difficult, and spending time amongst the trees really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Follow the trail to take a mindful walk through the forest that invites you to truly relax.
Alongside forest trails across the county, Hamsterley Forest is home to a dedicated Wellbeing trail, designed to help you reconnect with the natural world.
Gift a year’s worth of memories with Forestry England membership
What better gift than the one that keeps on giving?
Whether they love cycling, running, gentle strolls, or even discovering the Gruffalo in the woods, Forestry England membership means the whole family can enjoy regular visits to England’s forests while avoiding the cost of parking there, with individual Hamsterley Forest and national memberships available.
Visit Forestry England's website to learn more and treat a special person to a year’s worth of forest memories in 2026.
However you like to celebrate in December, there’s something for all the family to enjoy at Hamsterley Forest.
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Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
