Stick Man, Gruffalo Trails, Family Walks & Mountain Biking
Hamsterley Forest family walks are among the most popular outdoor activities in County Durham, offering a mix of woodland trails, imaginative children’s routes such as the Stick Man and Gruffalo trails, and gentle paths for all ages.
Hamsterley Forest near County Durham is one of the region’s most versatile outdoor destinations, offering a rare mix of family-friendly woodland trails, imaginative children’s routes including the Stick Man and Gruffalo trails, and some of the best mountain biking in the North of England.
For guests staying at The Barn Oakenshaw, Hamsterley Forest is a favourite day out — particularly for families with younger children, multi-generational groups and those wanting to balance gentle walks with more adventurous activities such as MTB riding and longer hikes.
Located within easy reach of DL15 0TG, Hamsterley Forest works equally well for a relaxed morning visit or a full day exploring the forest, making it an easy addition to a longer countryside stay.
🌲 Hamsterley Forest
Wide paths and open spaces allow visitors to explore at a relaxed pace, making it well suited to multi-generational groups and half-day visits that still feel substantial.
🌿 Stick Man & Gruffalo trails (perfect for younger children)
Hamsterley Forest is particularly popular with families thanks to its Stick Man and Gruffalo trails, inspired by the much-loved Julia Donaldson stories.
These trails are designed to:
- Encourage children to explore the forest
- Turn walks into an adventure rather than a chore
- Keep younger visitors engaged from start to finish
The routes are gentle, clearly marked and ideal for primary-age children, making them a reliable choice during school holidays and half term.
There is also a café on site where coffee, snacks and drinks can be purchased.
Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest
During school holidays and selected times of year, Hamsterley Forest often hosts themed family trails, including the much-loved Room on the Broom experience. These interactive woodland trails are designed especially for younger children and make a great addition to a family day out.
Along the route, children help the Witch find her missing items and collect ingredients needed to complete her spell, while learning fun forest facts along the way. The trail is hands-on, imaginative and easy to follow, making it suitable for little legs and mixed-age families.
Trail packs are usually available from the visitor centre for a small fee and typically include activity cards, stickers and simple crafts to complete as you go. Once finished, families can enjoy photo opportunities with the characters before heading back to the café or forest play areas.
This type of seasonal trail works well alongside Hamsterley Forest’s Stick Man and Gruffalo routes, giving families plenty to explore in a single visit.
🌸 Family walks & relaxed woodland routes
Beyond the themed trails, Hamsterley Forest offers a variety of easy woodland walks suitable for families, grandparents and mixed-age groups.
Why families enjoy walking here:
- Wide, well-maintained paths
- Plenty of places to stop and picnic
- Space for children to roam safely
- No pressure to complete long routes
This makes Hamsterley an ideal alternative to busier attractions, particularly for families staying several nights nearby.
🚴 Mountain biking at Hamsterley Forest (including black runs)
Hamsterley Forest is nationally known for its mountain biking, attracting riders from across the UK and overseas. The purpose-built trail centre caters for all abilities, from beginners to experienced riders seeking technical challenges.
Trail options include:
- Green and blue trails for beginners and families
- Red routes for confident riders
- Black runs with technical descents and demanding features
- Skills areas and downhill sections
Groups staying at The Barn Oakenshaw often combine riding days with relaxed evenings back at the estate, making it a popular base for MTB weekends.
Cycling events in the North East
For those planning a trip around organised rides or bikepacking events, the North East of England has a growing cycling calendar throughout spring and summer. A good overview of upcoming road, gravel and endurance events in the region can be found via Battistrada’s cycling calendar, which is useful for timing a stay around a specific ride or challenge.
View North East cycling events on Battistrada → cycling events calendar North East England region (GB) 2026-2027 | Battistrada
🥾 Hiking & longer countryside walks
For those looking to go further, Hamsterley Forest also offers longer hiking routes that lead out towards open moorland and panoramic viewpoints. These walks are well suited to older children, couples and groups wanting a more immersive countryside experience.
Spring and autumn are particularly rewarding times to visit, but the forest is enjoyable year-round.
☕ Facilities & practicalities
Many guests enjoy mixing active outdoor days with slower sightseeing during their stay.
You may also find these guides helpful:
- National Trust & heritage days out near County Durham
https://thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk/national-trust-heritage-days-out-near-county-durham/ - Cycling breaks in Durham
https://thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk/cycling-breaks-in-durham/
Together, these create a balanced itinerary for families and groups.
Staying at The Barn Oakenshaw
The Barn Oakenshaw is a private countryside estate designed for families, friends and groups who value space, comfort and flexibility. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Hamsterley Forest alongside the wider Durham countryside.
You may also find this useful:
- Family stays in County Durham
https://thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk/family-stay-county-durham/
Many guests choose to stay for several nights, allowing time to enjoy both themed family trails and more adventurous outdoor activities at a relaxed pace.
