Adventure in a world of trees at Bedgebury
Bedgebury Forest now offers walking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, adventure play and orienteering for people of all ages and abilities, creating one of South East England’s premier sites for healthy outdoor activity.
There is now a brand-new multi-functional Visitor Centre, all-ability trails throughout the Forest and National Pinetum and over 20,000 square metres of adventure play equipment. The facilities are open all the year round.
Cyclists of all ages and abilities can now enjoy a 10km family cycle route and over 13kms of mountain bike trails. This includes a long single-track cross-country loop and a daredevil Freeride area, with built structures and obstacles designed to challenge a rider's ability and technical skills.
There are new all-ability walking routes promoting healthy living, including health walks and calorie mapped trails. The state-of-the-art Adventure Play Area is themed around the great plant-hunters of the Victorian era.
Bedgebury has also added and upgraded 12km of horse riding tracks. The addition of way-marking, a trail map, a secure box park and picnic area, plus links to existing bridleways has created a wonderful trail riding opportunity.
The project has been carefully planned to take into account conservation issues and minimise disruption to Bedgebury’s abundant wildlife and special habitats.
The new Visitor Centre will serve both the National Pinetum and Forest. It features catering, toilets, a cycle franchise (including disabled cycles), showers, bike wash area, visitor information and a classroom/community room.
There is also a new area to the Bedgebury experience called 'Go Ape' where you can try your skills on an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 40 feet up in the trees. Costs start at Gorillas (18yrs+) £25.00, Baboons (10 - 17 yrs) £20.00 plus parking fees if not a member of the Friends of Bedgebury.
Bedgebury's National Pinetum, host to the world’s finest collection of conifers, continues to offer a haven of peace set in beautiful parkland with lakes, streams, rolling hills and wide avenues. The Visitor Centre lies at the hub of a network of new paths throughout the Pinetum that enable easy access for all levels of ability.
Bedgebury is open every day of the year. Visitors are encouraged to wear suitable footwear and clothing as Bedgebury is an outdoor site.
Opening Times:
May to August 8am – 8pm
September 8am – 6pm
October to November 8am – 5pm
December 8am – 4pm
Admission Fees:
Admission is £7.50 per car or £20.00 per minibus or £40 per coach.
Unlimited parking with the Friends Membership from £40 pa.
General contact number: 01580 789820
The Pantry 07864 966247 is open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm
www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk or www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury
The Friends of Bedgebury National Pinetum is a charity that supports the Forestry Commission in maintaining and enhancing the collection.
For more information on the Friends of Bedgebury click on: www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
