Dalby Forest
📍 Thornton-le-DaleNorth Yorkshire
Huge Forestry England forest with walking and cycling trails, Gruffalo trails and a visitor centre
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What’s free
Free entry to the forest and trails; car-free visitors get in free
About
Dalby Forest covers the southern slopes of the North York Moors and has waymarked walking, running and mountain bike trails, including an easy access trail and Gruffalo-themed trails for children. The visitor centre at Low Dalby has a cafe, toilets, a play area and picnic spots. It is a Dark Sky site, and roe deer and nightjars live in the forest.
Opening times
- Forest open 8am to 8pm daily. Visitor centre 9.30am to 5pm (Mar to Oct), 9am to 4pm (Nov to Feb).
Times can change, so check with the venue before a special trip.
Good to know
Costs to know about: Parking from £3.50 for 1 hour up to £15 for over 4 hours
Still free?
Checked by our editors on 13 Oct 2026.
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More free places nearby
More free things to do in North Yorkshire ›Dalby Forest Visitor CentreForestry England hub in Dalby Forest with trails, play area, picnic spots and a cafe✓ FreeSeive Dale FenSpring-fed fen with sundew and orchids in Dalby Forest✓ Free
Black PlantationWoodland walks in Lockton.✓ Free
Ellerburn Bank Nature ReserveWildflower-rich limestone grassland on the edge of Dalby Forest, best in June and July.✓ Free
Seive Dale FenSpring-fed fen with sundew and orchids in Dalby Forest✓ FreeBlack PlantationWoodland walks in Lockton.✓ FreeEllerburn Bank Nature ReserveWildflower-rich limestone grassland on the edge of Dalby Forest, best in June and July.✓ Free