Half-term Adventures at Haldon Forest Park

Guest Blog Post - Forestry England

Photo: Forestry England / Crown copyright

Looking for things to do with the family this October half term? Haldon Forest Park, just outside Exeter, is a great place to get outdoors, enjoy the autumn scenery and keep the children entertained without spending a fortune.

From a family adventure trail inspired by Room on the Broom to cycling, wildlife spotting and woodland walks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a day in the forest. Here are six ideas to add to your half-term plans.

Follow the Room on the Broom Adventure Trail

Little ones can join Witch and her friends on the Room on the Broom family adventure trail, helping to find Witch’s lost hat, bow and wand while collecting the ingredients she needs to complete her spell.

There’s a Halloween twist, too, with extra activities and clues to solve a crossword for a special sticker reward.

Cost: £4 per trail pack, with Halloween bonus activities free with the pack or £1.50 when purchased separately.

Find out more about the Room on the Broom trail

Get Out on Two Wheels

Whether your family is just getting to grips with cycling or already enjoys off-road adventures, Haldon Forest Park has trails to suit a range of abilities.

Build confidence on the pump track and skills area, or set off together on a scenic cycle through the woodland, taking in the views along the way. You can bring your own bikes or look into hiring them at the forest.

Cost: Cycling trails are free to use, with charges for bike hire.

Explore cycling and mountain biking at Haldon Forest Park

Discover The Forest with an Activity Bag

Make your woodland walk a little more adventurous with a Forest Activity Bag. Packed with easy-to-follow activities, it gives children the chance to learn more about the trees and wildlife around them while exploring the forest together.

From spotting wildlife to discovering hidden details and testing their knowledge with a forest quiz, it's a great way to encourage curious minds to look a little closer at the natural world.

Cost: £5 per activity bag hire.

Find out more about Forest Activity Bags

Find a New Favourite Woodland Walk

Sometimes, a simple walk is all you need. Haldon Forest Park has a choice of routes, from gentler strolls with plenty to discover along the way to more challenging walks for families looking to explore further.

Pack a picnic to enjoy among the trees, take your time spotting the changing colours of autumn or make a day of exploring the different paths. All-terrain mobility scooters are also available to hire, helping more visitors enjoy the forest.

Cost: Walking trails are free to explore.

Discover walking routes at Haldon Forest Park

Try Orienteering Together

For a family activity with a little extra challenge, why not give orienteering a go? It's a fun way to explore the forest while working together to find your way around a course.

Younger children can try Gruffalo Orienteering, following a route inspired by the much-loved story and its deep, dark wood. Older children and adults can take on one of the Devon Orienteering courses. Compasses can be borrowed, with guidance available on how to use them before you set off.

Cost: British Orienteering maps cost £1.50 or can be downloaded free at home. Gruffalo Orienteering costs £1.50.

Find out more about Gruffalo Orienteering

Go Wildlife Spotting

Autumn is a lovely time to explore the outdoors, and Haldon Forest Park is home to wildlife throughout the year, from tiny minibeasts to roe deer.

Bring along a wildlife spotter sheet to help the children record what they discover as you explore. Keep your eyes open, look carefully among the trees and undergrowth, and see how many different creatures you can spot together.

Cost: Free.

Download the free wildlife spotter sheet

Plan Your Half-Term Visit

With woodland walks, outdoor adventures and activities for different ages and abilities, Haldon Forest Park offers plenty of ways to spend time together this October half term without a big day-out budget.

Remember that parking charges apply, although Forestry England members can park for free.

For activity details, opening information and help planning your visit, head to the Forestry England website.