Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is a magnificent setting for walks and picnics and world leading collection of conifers.
With some of the largest redwood trees in the UK and home to the Old Man of Kent, the tallest tree in the UK (now sadly worm fodder - or is that happily?!), you can wonder through some incredible and rare specimens of forestry.
Explore the vast acres and the pretty lakes winding your way through the miles of trails and paths created to see the Pinetum at its best. It really is beautiful at any time of year since the majority of the trees are evergreen.
Bedgebury Forest features family cycling, mountain-biking, Go Ape high rope excitement, orienteering trails, horse-riding, walking, running and the most fun adventure play for all ages and abilities. The wooden ship is a great favourite with tunnels to hide in and sand to soften tip-toes ready to play hide and seek!
A day out surrounded by trees.
Explore exciting things to do at Bedgebury Pinetum:
Plan your Bedgebury visit:
Things to do at Bedgebury Pinetum.
Walking: Bedgebury Forest offers scenic walks for all ages, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for families and individuals alike. Choose gentle strolls, self-guided trails and challenging hikes or explore self-guided trails, allowing you to set your own pace whilst more adventurous spirits can embark on longer forest walks. Bedgebury also offers specialised trails that guide walkers through the National Collection of Conifers, showcasing a remarkable variety of these majestic trees.
Cycling: Mountain bikers love Bedgebury’s muddy tracks! Families can enjoy shorter loops or practice on paved paths near the play area. Rent or service your bike at Quench’s on-site shop.
Horse riding: Bedgebury’s trails welcome all riders! Explore the expansive forest’s beauty on horseback, from gentle paths to scenic adventures. Riders can enjoy the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves against the forest floor while traversing scenic routes that unveil the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Well-maintained routes cater to every skill level, making it a perfect escape for beginners and experienced equestrians alike. Bedgebury’s equestrian facilities ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Bedgebury Café: Rest after your adventure at this family-run cafe! From a lodge-style wooden built café making food on site, they offer hot & cold meals (including vegetarian & vegan options, dairy-free and gluten-free) from 8:30am to 4pm most days. Enjoy local produce, cakes, and fairtrade drinks on the dog-friendly patio overlooking the lake. Here you’ll also find the Visitor Centre and toilets.
Christmas at Bedgebury: Firmly positioned as unmissable within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Bedgebury has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Discover softly-lit doves delicately balanced on branches, reed-like neon structures, sparkling tunnels of light and the Pinetum filled with all the colours of the rainbow as you walk under Liquid Sky.
Family fun at Bedgebury.
Natural play trail – perfect for kids of all ages: Follow in the footsteps of the historic plant hunters on the natural play trail. Discover the Shipwreck; keep your balance on the Giant Rope Swing; or walk the plank at the Trading Post!
Pick up a map of the Play Trail on arrival or take a picture of the map in the car park. The play areas are also shown on the Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest map, which is available for £2 at the Information Point.
Go Ape – For anyone over 1m tall: Built for the whole family, with three different courses, there’s something for everyone. this is the ultimate tree top experience of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings and multiple awesome zipwires in the breath-taking scenery of Kent’s arboretum Bedgebury National Pinetum.
Family cycling routes – perfect for kids of all ages: There are two family friendly cycling routes at Bedgebury.
Zog activity trail at Bedgebury – children aged 3-9 years old. Get ready to join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand new family activity trail and free app!
Dogs at Bedgebury.
Well behaved dogs and hounds are most welcome as well as assistance dogs of course, but should be kept on a lead in the Pinetum, car park and around the play areas. The interior of the cafe is out of bounds to hungry woofs (with the exception of assistance dogs) but there is plenty of seating al fresco.
Dogs can be taken off the lead in the wider forest. More details in the Forest Dog Code.
