Explore the forest, and beyond at Blackwood Forest
Forest Rangers
Suitable for families, groups and couples
With an entire forest waiting to be explored, it’s hard knowing where to start! Join our Forest Rangers for a guided tour, taking in some unforgettable views whilst learning a thing or two about the wildlife who call our forests home.
Suitable for families and 5-11 year olds
Become a mini bird detective! Spread your wings and get ready to discover the world of bird spotting and migration. Through exciting games, crafts and immersive activities – put our feathered friends into the spotlight with help from your Forest Ranger.
Suitable for families and pre-schoolers
When imaginations run wild, a love for nature begins to grow. And there’s no better playground than the forest! Your Forest Ranger will guide your tiny explorers through woodland activities and imaginative play – bringing stories to life as they find their first Forest Feeling.
Suitable for families, groups and couples
It’s the simple things in life — like how to light a fire and build a woodland shelter. Learn it all with your Forest Ranger, then it’s time to relax around the campfire, toast some marshmallows and enjoy a well-deserved cuppa from freshly foraged herbs.
Available September to March, suitable for all
Evenings in the forest just got even more extraordinary. Join a guided walk as you uncover the world of biofluorescence, using UV light to unveil a whole new world of wonders.
Outdoor adventures
Throw yourself into adventure and enjoy the very best of the outdoors on these incredible local experiences...
- Air rifle | from £22pp
- Clay pigeon shooting | from £55
- Archery | from £22pp
- Outdoor escape game | from £25pp
Forest Spa
You'll need to pre-book our in-cabin spa treatments to make sure we can get everything in place for your stay.
Book your spa experience
Bike hire
Looking to explore more of the forest? Venture out for the day on our bikes and discover acres of woodland, or go at your own pace with full break bike hire. There’ll be a helmet and bike lock for you too, so you can keep your bike just outside your cabin door:
Our cycling options:
- Adult bike hire | £18 per day or from £32 per break
- Child bike hire | £15 per day or from £28 per break
- Child seat | from £10
- Tag along | from £20
- Trailer | from £30
Elvis Owl Nature Trail
Quiz nights
Pottery painting
Rainy days
On rainy days, look out for TV messages for any indoor activities we're running. We also have plenty of board games in the Forest Retreat so why not pop in, pick up a game and grab a drink.
Build a Forest Friend
Looking for something to keep little hands busy indoors?
Head to the Forest Retreat, where mini explorers can build their own Forest Friend to join them on their adventures when they’re back outside. You can pre-book yours so they’re ready and waiting for when you arrive.
Local recommendations Blackwood Forest
Pubs and restaurants
Places to visit
Book tickets online and take a 30-minute drive to explore the house of one of Britain's most famous writers.
Stonehenge
Why not visit Stonehenge? It's closer than you think – only a 44-minute drive to see this famous spot.
The New Forest
The New Forest is just a 35-minute drive away. Head there for more trails, activities and incredible views.
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Explore even more about the sky above in the Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, a 23-minute drive from the forest. Great for a rainy day out.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Tour the world-famous Bombay Sapphire Distillery, a 17-minute drive from your cabin.
Walking trails
Alfred's Ancient Capital | 5.6km
Explore the historic town of Winchester on Alfred’s Ancient Capital walk. This 5.6km walk starts at the statue of King Alfred, who made Winchester the capital of Wessex. Enjoy breathtaking views of the cathedral, riverside, meadows, and the 12th Century Hospital of St. Cross. Also in Winchester is St. Catherine’s Hill, a small hill with lovely views over the town, the River Itchen and part of the South Downs. This is an excellent summer walk, when the wild flowers are alive with many species of butterfly.
Buriton walk | 5km
There are many beautiful walks in the South Downs National Park, most based around the South Downs Way, a 160km National Trail which stretches from the cathedral city of Winchester to Beachy Head at Eastbourne, almost all of which is off-road. The circular walk around Buriton takes you past Buriton Chalk Pits and through the 'springline' village of Buriton.
East Meon walk | 13km
The second circular walk on part of the South Downs Way, and near to Winchester, is a little more challenging. The East Meon walk takes you past a Norman Church in East Meon and the clear, chalk-filtered waters of the Meon River. Discover the wildlife havens created by the regeneration of the old chalk pits.
Overton to Steventon (Jane Austen trail) | 9 miles
A 9 mile way-marked circular walking trail from Overton to Jane Austen’s birthplace and home for 25 years, at Steventon. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
St Mary Bourne | 3km
The North Wessex Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the easy 3km walk around St Mary Bourne gives you an insight into how the landscape was formed and why it has the AONB designation. Walking up the sides of the valley, the lanes and tracks you see are remnants of a medieval ladder farming system. At the top of the hill, the view back is of a picture-perfect English village, complete with bowling green, stone church and thatched roofs.
The Itchen Way | 8km (partial route)
The Itchen Way is a 52km walk along the length of the River Itchen. Keep it local by taking the 8km stretch from Itchen Abbas, arriving at Winchester in time for a well-deserved lunch. You might spot all kinds of wildlife along the route as you follow the crystal-clear waters though the Hampshire countryside.
Overton, Ashe and Deane (Jane Austen trail) | 6.5 miles
A 6.5 mile circular walking trail from Overton exploring Hampshire countryside that Jane walked in her 25 years living in Steventon. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
'Overton in Jane Austen's Time' trail | 2.5 miles
A 2.5 mile circular walking trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen’s Time. Following country lanes, streets and pavements, allow one hour at a leisurely pace. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
Cycling trails
Overton, Ashe and Deane (Jane Austen trail) | 12 miles
A 12 mile circular cycle trail from Overton exploring the Hampshire countryside that Jane knew in her 25 years living in Steventon. Following bridleways, country lanes and roads, allow around 65 minutes at 12.5mph. This route is part of the Overton Jane Austen Trails, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, who was born and raised nearby in Steventon.
Burley Hill Fort Loop | 15km
From the folklore of witches to the legend of smuggling, explore the intriguing village of Burley.
Watership Down Trail | 27km or 17km
If you're a keen cyclist, take the Watership Down Trail through the North Wessex downs. It’s a challenging ride through some of Hampshire’s best scenery, beginning on a quiet country lane. A challenging off-road climb then continues along the ridge of Watership Down – made famous by Richard Adams’ novel. You can also take a shortcut, shaving ten kilometres off the ride.
Winchester to New Arlesford | 16km
This is a nice, easy ride along National Cycle Route 23 and the River Itchen, from Winchester to New Arlesford. It begins at Winchester Cathedral and heads east to New Arlesford along a series of country lanes, passing Itchen Abbas and Ovington on the way. Highlights on the route include Avington Park country house and the riverside sections along the River Itchen.
Dog-walking trails
Take a beautiful loop walk with the paws through Blackwater Arboretum. Experience the Forest through touching tactile sculptures to discover the wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature. Located around the short, circular route these sculptures depict the seeds from a sycamore, oak, Douglas fir and redwood, inspired by the ancient and ornamental woodlands along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Go Ape
Take a trip through the trees, 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 Bracknell is a 45-minute drive away, where you can experience:
- Go Ape segway | from £38
- Go Ape tree top adventure | from £21
- Go Ape tree top adventure plus | from £26
- Go Ape tree top challenge | from £36
Activities nearby
Discover local activities and adventures just beyond the forest and explore the Hampshire area.
- Hampshire vineyard tour | from £25
- Clay Pigeon Shooting | from £55
Wildlife and trees
Wildlife at Blackwood Forest
Trees at Blackwood Forest
Supporting the forest
We’re more than just a holiday
Nestled within inspiring natural spaces, we offer a unique way to experience and enjoy the UK’s forests, helping you experience and reconnect with nature.
We look after the land we love for us all, protecting wildlife and helping to preserve the forest for the future. By putting nature centre-stage, we give you the best of the outdoors. A sense of freedom and a unique experience, where you feel connected to the forest and to each other. Because you don’t just visit the forest, you really feel it.
And once you’ve found that Forest Feeling, you’ll never let it go.
Let's look after what we love
Help to care for the wildlife around you in small, but important ways. You'll find it's as good for you as it is for nature!
Give nature a helping hand by....
- Creating habitat piles using old logs and branches
- Picking up any litter you see – the forest and wildlife will thank you for it
- Turning off the lights when they’re not in use to reduce energy use
- Using the bins provided to separate your waste and recycle properly
