Salcey Forest | Family Fun

 

Salcey Forest Family Fun

 

Visiting Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire is something we do quite often, especially during lockdown. It’s an all year round inexpensive and fun few hours out of the house with the family.

‘This magnificent woodland has many miles of ancient wood banks, building remains and ancient trees. The ‘druids’, or veteran oaks, are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are over 600 years old. See what you can spot on your visit to the medieval royal hunting forest.’

 

Things to do at Salcey Forest At A Glance

• 3 walking trails
• 1 cycling trail
• 1 horse riding trail
• Archery and axe throwing
• Play areas
• Picnic area
• Café – takeaway only
• Dogs welcome

 

A Map Of The Walking Trails At Salcey Forest

 

 

The Gruffalo Spotters trail

During our last visit we followed the Gruffalo Spotters trail.  This is a free activity which is super fun for the whole family to take part in. Spot the signs and see what creatures you can find! With the amazing new Gruffalo Spotter 2 app, fun activity pack and trail, you’ll get to interact with all your favourite characters as you go in search of the Gruffalo in the deep dark wood.

The trail theme usually changes seasonally so it is worth checking out what event is on before you visit.

 

 

You can also purchase an activity kit, packed with fun things to do to help you spot the Gruffalo. Inside you’ll find:

• Gruffalo mask and paws
• Activity leaflet
• Crayon and pencil
• Nature spotters game and instructions
• Stickers

We didn’t buy the pack this time as you can complete the trail without it.

The Cafe

You can still buy refreshments from the cafe to take away with you or sit and enjoy in the picnic areas. Here are some photos of inside the cafe from a previous visit.

 

There is usually a good choice of home made meals and sweet treats on offer

 

 

 

Cuba and Coco on a previous visit with their activity packs

Cuba using the app on a previous trail

 

Final thoughts

• You have to pay for the carpark via a pay and display ticket machine and the prices are:

Up to 1 hour & Saturday Early bird (8am-11am) £2.00

Up to 2 hours £4.00

All day £6.00

 

• If you want to complete the Graffalo trail download the app at home prior to your visit as the mobile signals are very poor within the forest making it almost impossible to download the app.

 

• The forest is open every day except Christmas Day.

Seasonal opening times apply:

Winter GMT (Nov – Mar): 8am – 5pm
Summer BST (Apr – Oct): 8am – 9pm

 

 

We really do enjoy Salcey Forest whatever the time of year.

If you haven’t been and you are in the area I do recommend a visit.

Sending love,

Dana xx