Haldon Forest Park

Enjoy the great outdoors at Haldon Forest Park, 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot.

Things to do at Haldon Forest Park

There are three Tramper-friendly waymarked walking trails to choose from, which include a mostly level loop and two hilly hikes with rewarding views. The forest is full of wildlife all year-round, from fluttering birds and butterflies to majestic deer moving through the landscape. Why not take a moment to close your eyes and take in the sounds and scents of the forest around you?

  • Path surfaces – well-surfaced and woodland paths
  • Path gradients – mostly level, or gentle gradients
  • Some safety barriers to go around, a few narrow sections

To add an extra challenge to your walk, have a go at Haldon Forest Park’s orienteering course. Courses are graded by difficulty, with the beginner and novice courses (white, yellow, orange) accessible by Tramper. Maps can be bought from the Info Pod (£1.50) or downloaded before you visit. For young navigators, the Gruffalo Orienteering course is also Tramper accessible. Maps are £1.50 from the Info Pod – remember to come back for your certificate of completion!

Kids at Haldon Forest Park

To entertain the children, try the themed activity trail or head to one of the play areas to burn off some energy. The whole forest is a playground and there are plenty of opportunities for creative games along the easygoing Discovery Trail.

Eating and drinking

After your forest adventure, refuel at the Ridge Cafe. You’ll be spoiled for choice with delicious homemade light bites, locally-made cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Or bring your own picnic to enjoy in your favourite spot. Top up your water bottles with our free refill station next to the toilet building.

Haldon Forest Park is free to visit but car parking charges apply. All money from the car park is invested back into the forest and facilities for everyone to enjoy.

Tramper – how to hire

Three Trampers are available to hire. Advance booking recommended (using the contact details below) – particularly at busy times such as school holidays and weekends.

On arrival, go to the bright green Info Pod next to the car park pay machines.

The following Tramper hire fees are charged. Please note that this location is card payment only.   

Up to 1.5 hours – £2.50

Up to 3 hours – £5

Up to 6 hours – £10


Dogs at Haldon Forest Park

Dogs love Haldon Forest Park and all its sights, sounds, and smells. There is drinking water next to the toilet building and many of the picnic tables have dog tie-ups. Haldon Forest Park is home to special and sensitive wildlife so we ask you to follow our doggy code and keep all four-legged family members in sight at all times.

Contact details

Address Kennford, Exeter, Devon EX6 7XR
Telephone 03000675826
E-Mail haldon.rangers@forestryengland.uk

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Key information

3 Trampers Available

Refreshments

Dogs Welcome

Accessible Parking

Accessible Toilet(s)

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Directions

By Road – Follow the brown tourist signs from the A38 and A380 (this is also the turning for Exeter Racecourse). Continue down the road, passing the Haldon Forest Park entrance sign. Pass the first gateway, you will see ‘Office entrance only’ is painted on the road and in 200 metres you will see the main entrance.