Beautiful UK woodland named among the best for Christmas walks with a Gruffalo trail for kids
- UK Hidden Gems
- Dec 29, 2025
- 2 min read
The walk after Christmas Day has become a tradition of its own. It is a great reason to get outside, let children burn off energy, and for adults, a breath of fresh air can help clear tired heads.
There are lots of brilliant walks across the UK, but this festive season there is one in particular that is worth knowing about, whether for Christmas time or a peaceful walk later in winter.
This hidden gem has everything you could ask for, with lovely woodland views, a range of trails from gentle to challenging, and plenty of open space for children and dogs to run around and explore.
Covering 2,000 hectares, it is the largest forest in County Durham and is popular thanks to its many walking, cycling and mountain bike routes.
With wildlife such as roe deer, adders and even salmon in the stream, it is easy to see why locals and visitors love it.
There is one trail that families should not miss, called the Riverside Trail.
This short walk features lots of sculptures based on Julia Donaldson’s famous stories The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, making it a fun way for children to enjoy fresh air after Christmas.
In 2025, families can also enjoy a Stick Man and Santa trail, where children help Santa deliver his final present. Along the route, there are hidden letters to find that help reveal who the special gift is for.
With so much for families to enjoy, including festive extras, it is no surprise that Forestry England has previously named Hamsterley Forest as one of its top picks in the 12 walks of Christmas. The Riverside Trail, which is 1.5 miles long, was highlighted as a favourite.
They said: "This short trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and follows the edge of Bedburn beck. As well as enjoying the woodland, children can spot the Gruffalo sculptures, adding excitement as they explore each corner of the path."
If you plan to visit, there is a cafe where you can sit in or grab food and drinks to take with you. The forest welcomes dogs, and there are also play areas for children to enjoy.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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