Dalby Forest


Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park offers the perfect place to escape, relax and adventure.

Home to 8,000 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest.

A visit to Dalby will uncover many magical things such as family-friendly walking trails, some of the very best mountain biking trails and endless stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, get the adrenaline pumping at Dalby Activity Centre or test your nerve and swing amongst the trees on Go Ape.

Dalby Forest is home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species and is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.

If one day leaves you wanting more, extend your forest adventure with a stay in nearby Cropton Forest with Forest Holidays.

Visit Dalby Forest

Accessibility

Accessible parking

There are 17 accessible parking bays at Dalby Forest.
9 in the Visitor Centre car park - 4near the building and 5 at the courtyard end.
2 at Staindale roadside.
2 at High Staindale (nearest ot the start of the Lakeside Trail).
3 at Nissen Hut car park (nearest to the start of the Nissen Hut trail).
1 at Crosscliff, in a separate accessible parking area (follow signs from main forest drive).

Level access at main entrance

Level access at alternative entrance

Yes at rear entrance

Accessible public toilet

Accessible toilets are found at Low Dalby Courtyard, Low Staindale, Dalby Visitor Centre (Outside), Dalby Visitor Centre (Upstairs), Adderstone Field and Dixon’s Hollow car park (in the summer).
All have transfer space to the side, handrails and emergency call system.

Wheelchair or Tramper available

For more information see All Terrain Mobility Scooters at Dalby Forest

Accessible interpretation

Captions.

Hearing enhancement system

Portable hearing loop available on request.

Adapted experience for people with reduced mobility

Café/on site catering

Wheelchair accessible restaurant. Special dietary requirements catered for.

Other accessibility information

Trained assistance dogs welcome.
Emergency alarm with flashing lights.
More accessibility information may be found on the AccessAble website. AccessAble website

For more information on accessibility, please go to

https://www.forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest/access-information

Facilities

Dalby Forest provides a range of facilities to offer you a fantastic day out.

Gift Shop

The visitor centre at Dalby Forest is home to a gift shop full of products from local stockists including food & drink, outdoor adventure toys, dog accessories and Gruffalo themed goodies.

Café/on site catering

Dalby Forest's on-site cafés provide hot and cold food and drink options. Both cafes have indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for all weathers!

Car parking

Dalby Forest has 14 car parks spread throughout the forest, each one offering a different start point for your forest adventure. The visitor centre car park is the perfect place to park for your first visit, with other car parks such as Adderstone Field hosting the Gruffalo and nearby to Dixon's Hollow bike park for those looking to challenge their technique.

Children's trails/adventure playground

The Grandfather Oak playground is situated at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and is by far the most popular.
At Adderstone Field, you can find the Enchanted Forest which is a wild playground.

Toilets and baby changing facilities

Cycle parking facilities

Cycle parking is available in the Courtyard and around the Visitor Centre.

Picnic site

Dalby Forest has picnic sites dotted throughout the forest. Perfect for a family get together. Whether its Staindale Lake with surrounding beauty or at Crosscliff with views across the moors, Dalby Forest has it all. BBQs and campfires are not permitted at any time. Please take your rubbish home with you.

Cycle hire

At Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. Dalby Forest Cycle Hub website

Dogs at Dalby Forest

Dogs are welcome throughout the site with dog friendly seating available at our 2 on-site cafés. We ask visitors clean up after their dog.

Other facilities

Changing Places facility - Available in the Courtyard
E-bike charging point, bike wash and mobile bike repair station - Available next to Dalby Forest Cycle Hub in the Courtyard.

Getting here

Contact us

Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Pickering, YO18 7LT
Tel 01751 460295

Location

Follow the A169 Pickering to Whitby road. Look out for the brown tourist signs.
OS Grid Reference SE 855878

Public transport

Service buses are available in Thornton Le Dale and Pickering. The Coastliner bus stops at Fox & Rabbit Inn for an approximate 1.5 mile walk to the Visitor centre via footpaths and forest trails.

If you like Dalby Forest, why not visit...

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Go Ape Dalby

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Guisborough Forest

Beck Isle Museum

Last updated: 22 Jan 2026

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