Local recommendations Delamere Forest
Pubs and restaurants
Proper pubs, dog-friendly spots, or the perfect place to finish off a woodland walk. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants close to the forest to get a taste of the local.
A great lunch spot with a covered outdoor seating area overlooking Hatchmere lake – approximately a 40 minute walk away.
The Fishpool Inn
A favourite amongst the Delamere team. The Fishpool is a cosy and characterful family pub with a dog-friendly area.
Lovely food and great Sunday Roast. Dog friendly.
A family and dog-friendly pub.
Places to visit
With pretty villages full of history and culture nearby, head out of the forest and discover what Cheshire has to offer.
A quaint local town, a 13 minute drive away.
A theatre and cinema, great for rainy days! A 26 minute drive.
A lovely spot for local culture. Just a 16 minute drive.
Walking trails
Old Pale Trail | 3km
Old Pale is a family-friendly forest walk that guides you through gravelled forest tracks and evergreen trees to Old Pale Heights, where the views are amazing. Old Pale also has lots of places to sit (including benches along the way) so you can take in the scenery at your own pace.
Blakemere Trail | 5.8km
A haven for nature and bird lovers, Blakemere trail is sheltered by mature trees, which provide cool cover as you explore the winding pathways. This is one of the easiest Delamere Forest walks, making it fantastic for families looking for a day exploring.
The Sandstone Trail | 29km
Start from Delamere Forest and follow part of the Sandstone Trail, hiking around 29km to Larkton Hall. Along the way, discover curiously named landmarks like Urchin’s Kitchen, Old Gypsy Lane and Bloody Bones caves. It’s dog-friendly too.
Cycling trails
Blakemere Moss | 6.4km
Pack a picnic and follow the 6.4km Hunger Hill Trail along wide forest roads to bird-watching haven, Blakemere Moss. Beautiful views guaranteed.
Chester Railway path | 24km
Load your bikes onto the car and head for the Chester Railway Path, a 24km flat Sustrans route from Chester to Connah’s Quay.
Whitemoor Trail | 11km
Discover the hidden corners of forest along the 11km Whitemoor Trail. Pass through meres and mosses and see nuthatches, tree creepers, damselflies and butterflies.
Dog-walking trails
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland and country roads make a great spot for a scamper.
Dutton Locks is an easy, flat trail with some off-lead areas and interesting landmarks, such as a sunken boat and 22 arches of the Dutton viaduct.
This is one of the best Delamere Forest walks for dogs. The circular route takes your through this pretty valley, finishing at The Morris Dancer, a dog-friendly pub in Kelsall.
This five-mile, circular walk has everything. There are views from the highest point on the Sandstone Trail and a nearby dog-friendly pub, The Bickerton Poacher.
Go Ape
Explore amongst the trees, in a day full of adventure! Save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay with us, including on Saturdays.
Look out for our emails with offers and activities to book before your stay – they'll include your unique discount code. Go Ape is close by in Delamere Forest, so you can walk or take a quick drive to experience:
- Go Ape Tree Top Adventure from £18
- Go Ape Tree Top Adventure Plus from £22.50
- Go Ape Tree Top Challenge from £31.50
Activities nearby
Discover local activities and adventures on days out just beyond the forest.
- Crazy golf | from £3pp
- Axe throwing | from £20pp
- Chester Zoo | from £30pp (£24 child)
Wildlife experiences
Meet some of our forest friends up close with incredible experiences near to the forest. Why not try...
You can pre-book these activities with us! Just visit my account or speak to the team at the Forest Retreat when you're here.
