CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED

Woodland & Forest in York

If you fancy proper trees and space to roam, it's a longer trip out to Dalby Forest, near Pickering. It's free to walk in, though there's a paid barrier for the car, and once you're through there's a play trail for the kids plus bike tracks if anyone in the family rides. Toilets, parking, a cafe and picnic tables mean you can make a full morning of it, and dogs are welcome too. This isn't a pop-to-after-school spot, so it suits a weekend when you've got the time for the drive. Younger children will get the most from the play trail near the start, while older kids and confident cyclists can go further into the forest on the tracks. Pack a picnic if you'd rather skip the cafe, and bring cash or a card for the barrier before you set off.

4 places 2 free to visit

⇅

Elevated view across expansive mixed woodland in autumn, with coniferous and deciduous trees in varied green and golden foliage across rolling hills.

Free

Dalby Forest

Pickering

North York Moors forest with play trail and bike tracks - paid barrier.

ToiletsParkingPicnic areaCafé+2 more

Fish and Forest

York · ages 12+

This is a restaurant that only admits over-12s, so leave the younger ones at home and book a proper sit-down meal instead.

Booking required

Cooked prawns and vegetables artfully plated on a blue-grey dish with fork and garnish visible.

Forest

York

A restaurant with a hotel dog on reception, breakfast through to an evening à la carte, and afternoon tea you book ahead for.

Booking requiredDog friendlyRestaurant

Paved pathway curving through woodland with open grassy clearing, surrounded by mature trees under cloudy sky.

Free

Wykebeck Woods

Leeds

Free ancient woodland by a stream where kids can cycle the paths, spot birds and hunt for crayfish in the shallows.

Outdoor playPicnics allowedPublic transport nearbyPushchair friendly+1 more

Good to know: woodland & forest in York

Are any of them free?

Yes, Dalby Forest and Wykebeck Woods are free to visit.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find woodland & forest in Pickering, York and Leeds. Every place we list is in or around York, and each listing has the full address and directions.