# Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > This expansive woodland playground invites families to bike scenic trails, enjoy picnics, and explore nature together in a fully accessible, dog-friendly setting with dining options available. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/attractions/hamsterley-forest (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. National Park 🐾 Dogs Welcome # Hamsterley Forest Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Hamsterley [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2211817009967171826&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Trevor Smith](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/106902674749793933248) **In short:** Hamsterley Forest is a national park in Bishop Auckland, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3,132 Google reviews, with dogs welcome. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Hamsterley Forest This expansive woodland playground invites families to bike scenic trails, enjoy picnics, and explore nature together in a fully accessible, dog-friendly setting with dining options available. ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street - ✓Paid street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Facilities Toilets Onsite Parking Changing Rooms Accessible Toilets Baby Changing Food Available Dog Friendly Pushchair Friendly Card Payments Accepted ## Opening hours **Monday** Open 24 hours **Tuesday** Open 24 hours **Wednesday** Open 24 hours **Thursday** Open 24 hours **Friday** Open 24 hours **Saturday** Open 24 hours **Sunday** Open 24 hours ## What visitors say [Jamie-lee Blackburn](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102048289994085708687/reviews) ★★★★★ It was my familys first time here on 25th of July. What a great place for a walk or bike ride. We did the gruffalo trail and my kids absolutely loved it. Was such a lovely walk. We took a picnic and sat on one of the picnic benches on the walk and it was gorgeous sitting in the nature listening to the birds. There is a cafe there with plenty seating. We got an ice cream after our walk and everyone enjoyed them. Will definitely be back and try a different walking trail. The parking was £8 for about 4 hours. · via Google [Colin Peters](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116701656205042455719/reviews) ★★★★★ One of the jewels in County Durham's crown. Peace, tranquility, exhilarating all under one natural canopy. Somewhere to relax and get back to nature with a wide variety of trails for walkers of all levels · via Google [Duncan Bell](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117085624462158470589/reviews) ★★★★★ The best forest for people with kids. Numerous play areas. For people who enjoy a good walk with lots to do beside. Excellent biking experience as well with various difficulty trails. · via Google [ray haswell](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110568975986970661522/reviews) ★★★★★ Vast area for walking, lots of different trails, sculptures to look out for, seating and adventure park for younger children, cafe and parking , parking is charged · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487c31de4fd4735f:0xa61f15ccc110111d!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) People say this forest offers a wide variety of well-maintained trails for walking, running, and cycling, with options suitable for all ages and abilities. Visitors also highlight the excellent facilities, including clean toilets, a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and multiple play areas for children. They also appreciate the beautiful scenery and the relaxing atmosphere, making it a great place for a day out. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Hamsterley [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.6760929%2C-1.8590072) **Category** Parks & Play Areas **Guest rating** 4.7 / 5 (3,132 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Setting** Outdoor **Dogs allowed** Yes **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Bishop Auckland [More attractions in Bishop Auckland](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/attractions) ★ 4.7 (3,132 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01388488312](tel:01388488312) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Bishop Auckland **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9C6WM4GR+C9 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487c31de4fd4735f:0xa61f15ccc110111d!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487c31de4fd4735f:0xa61f15ccc110111d!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487c31de4fd4735f:0xa61f15ccc110111d!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Bishop Auckland Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DBishop%2BAuckland%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Hamsterley Forest? Hamsterley Forest is open Mon–Sun 24 hours (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Hamsterley Forest any good? Hamsterley Forest is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3,132 Google reviews. ### Is Hamsterley Forest dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed at Hamsterley Forest. ### Is Hamsterley Forest good for children? Yes, Hamsterley Forest is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Hamsterley Forest? Allow more than five hours, so most of a day. ### Is Hamsterley Forest indoors or outdoors? Hamsterley Forest is mainly outdoors. ### What ages is Hamsterley Forest suitable for? Hamsterley Forest suits all ages. ### Is Hamsterley Forest wheelchair accessible? Hamsterley Forest has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Hamsterley Forest? Yes: paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking. ### How do I contact Hamsterley Forest? Call Hamsterley Forest on +44 1388 488312. ## Stay near Hamsterley Forest [Holiday cottages nearby 215](https://staycation.co.uk/near/hamsterley-forest/cottages) [Campsites nearby 37](https://staycation.co.uk/near/hamsterley-forest/camping) ## More near Hamsterley Forest ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [The Fir Tree Country Hotel ★ 4.6 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/fir-tree/hotels/the-fir-tree-country-hotel) - [The Brown Horse Hotel ★ 4.5 · 5.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/wolsingham/hotels/the-brown-horse-hotel) - [Dowfold House Bed & Breakfast ★ 4.8 · 5.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/crook/hotels/dowfold-house-bed-breakfast) - [The Saxon Inn ★ 4.5 · 6.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/hotels/the-saxon-inn) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Roslyn Cottage 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/roslyn-cottage-w42487) - [Holmcrest 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/holmcrest-uk52313) - [Blackburn Cottage Barn 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/blackburn-cottage-barn-syk925002) - [Forestside View 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/forestside-view-syk1139295) ### Campsites nearby - [High Shipley Farm Certificated Site ★ 4.8 · 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/high-shipley-farm-certificated-site) - [Stag Park Caravan Site ★ 4.8 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/camping/stag-park-caravan-site) - [Bradley Burn Caravan Park ★ 4.5 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/bradley-burn-caravan-park) - [Witton Castle Country Park ★ 4.5 · 3.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/witton-castle-country-park) ### Things to do nearby - [Field House Equestrian Centre ★ 4.6 · 4.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/crook/attractions/field-house-equestrian-centre) - [The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle ★ 4.2 · 6.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/attractions/the-plotters-forest-at-raby-castle) - [Kynren ★ 4.8 · 7.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/attractions/kynren) - [Binchester Roman Fort ★ 4.5 · 7.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/attractions/binchester-roman-fort)