
Cardinham Woods
A stunning forested valley with diverse trails for walking and cycling, plus a popular cafe and family activities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Crisp air & stunning foliage

Cardinham Woods
Best Time
Crisp air & stunning foliage

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning forested valley with diverse trails for walking and cycling, plus a popular cafe and family activities.
"Such a fabulous place! Plenty of various signposted walks & bike trails.. ideal for families, dog walkers or even exercising."

🎯 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Trails range from easy to technical. Check signposts for difficulty ratings before setting off. :hiking_boot:
☕ Cafe Delights
The Woods Cafe is popular! Expect a wait during peak times, but the food is worth it. :coffee:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Woodland Trails
Throughout Cardinham Woods
Explore diverse walking and cycling paths winding through a beautiful forested valley.

Woods Cafe
Near the main car park
Enjoy gourmet home cooking and hot drinks in a cozy cafe nestled within the woods.

The Gruffalo Trail
Picnic area
A family-friendly trail featuring sculptures of beloved characters, perfect for young explorers.

River Walks
Along the River Lynher
Stroll alongside the cool, clear river, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Cafe & Parking Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Trails range from easy to technical. Check signposts for difficulty ratings before setting off. :hiking_boot:
☕ Cafe Delights
The Woods Cafe is popular! Expect a wait during peak times, but the food is worth it. :coffee:
🅿️ Parking Fees
Parking is pay and display. Fees contribute to trail maintenance. Consider membership for benefits. :parking:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome! There's even a dog wash station for muddy paws. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Trails range from easy to technical. Check signposts for difficulty ratings before setting off. :hiking_boot:
☕ Cafe Delights
The Woods Cafe is popular! Expect a wait during peak times, but the food is worth it. :coffee:
🅿️ Parking Fees
Parking is pay and display. Fees contribute to trail maintenance. Consider membership for benefits. :parking:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome! There's even a dog wash station for muddy paws. :dog:
🚴 Bike Enthusiast's Haven
Cardinham offers excellent mountain biking trails, including blue and red routes. :mountain_bicyclist:
🌳 Family Adventures
Look out for themed trails like The Gruffalo, perfect for keeping kids entertained. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cardinham Woods for its beautiful woodland setting, diverse trails for walking and biking, and family-friendly activities. The Woods Cafe is a popular spot for refreshments, though some find it a bit pricey. Parking fees contribute to the upkeep of this well-loved natural attraction.
"Such a fabulous place! Plenty of various signposted walks & bike trails.. ideal for families, dog walkers or even exercising. good anpr controlled pay & display car park (free for members). Small park for kids & a cafe.. the trees are amazing to see!"
Tracey Lewis
"One of the best bike trails in the local area. Some pretty technical sections so definitely not for beginners but well signposted and maintained trails with mainly blue and some red routes. Great little cafe with good food and drinks."
Lee Martin
"We absolutely love Cardinham Woods - so many different trails to follow and things for the children to find . I use a mobility scooter and find it perfectly accessible . Our pups love walking there - there is even a place to wash your pups after. Parking is ample & reasonably priced ."
Jenny Eccles Trennelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cardinham Woods is located near Bodmin in Cornwall. You can reach it by car via the A30 and then follow local signs. The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, approximately 3 miles away. From there, you may need a taxi or local bus service to reach the woods.
While public transport options are limited, local bus services may run to Bodmin, from where you can arrange onward travel. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance.
From the A30, take the exit for Bodmin. Follow signs for Cardinham Woods. The woods are well-signposted from the main roads around Bodmin.
Yes, some of the main trails are accessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, offering a pleasant experience for visitors with mobility challenges.
While there are dedicated cycling trails within the woods, reaching it by bike from outside the immediate area might be challenging depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cardinham Woods itself is free to enter and explore. However, there is a charge for parking, which is managed by ANPR pay and display. Fees contribute to the upkeep of the facilities and trails.
Parking fees vary, typically around £3.50 for one hour or £4.50 for two hours. These prices can change, so it's best to check on arrival.
Yes, Forestry England offers membership options that may include free parking at Cardinham Woods and other sites. Inquire about these if you plan to visit frequently.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Cardinham Woods. Parking is on a pay-and-display basis, and you can pay upon arrival.
Cardinham Woods is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for exploration. The Woods Cafe has specific opening hours, which are best checked directly.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Cardinham Woods offers a variety of trails, including the popular Gruffalo Trail for families, and longer routes for more experienced walkers. The riverside paths are also very scenic.
Absolutely! Cardinham Woods is renowned for its excellent mountain biking trails, featuring blue and some red routes with technical sections. It's a popular spot for cyclists.
Yes, there are several family-friendly activities, including themed trails like The Gruffalo and Wallace & Gromit, and a small play park near the car park.
Dogs are very welcome at Cardinham Woods and can enjoy the trails and river. There's even a dog wash station available for after muddy adventures.
Facilities include a cafe, car park, toilets, a small children's play area, and a dog wash station.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Woods Cafe is the primary dining option, offering gourmet home cooking, hot drinks, and snacks. It's a popular spot, especially after a walk or cycle.
Some visitors find the cafe a little expensive, but generally consider the quality of food and the unique woodland setting to be worth the price.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your own food amidst the beautiful surroundings.
The cafe serves a range of home-cooked meals, cakes, and hot beverages. They are known for their quality and comforting dishes.
The Woods Cafe is the main hub for refreshments. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to explore further afield.
📸 📸 Photography
The winding river, the vibrant autumn foliage, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Look for scenic viewpoints along the trails.
Cardinham Woods is particularly stunning in autumn, with the trees transforming into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's ideal for 'leaf peeping' photography.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's recommended to check with Forestry England or local authorities regarding regulations for drone operation in the area to ensure compliance.
You might spot various bird species, including nuthatches, and other woodland creatures. Bird ringing sessions sometimes occur, offering unique photographic opportunities.
While not always marked, many spots along the river and higher up on the trails offer beautiful vistas. Keep an eye out for clearings and scenic bends in the river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas, or treat yourselves at the Woods Cafe. The accessibility of some main trails also means that families with pushchairs or younger children can comfortably navigate the woods. It's an affordable and engaging way to spend a day outdoors.
🚴 Mountain Bikers
These trails are designed for intermediate to advanced riders, providing an exhilarating experience through the forest. While there are easier options, the real draw is the quality of the singletrack. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear and be aware of other trail users.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
Autumn is a particularly spectacular time to visit, with the woods ablaze in vibrant colours. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling Adventures at Cardinham Woods
Cyclists often praise the quality of the trail maintenance and the clear signage, which helps navigate the extensive network. The natural terrain, with its undulating landscape and varied woodland, provides an engaging and exciting riding experience. It's advisable for beginners to stick to the clearly marked blue trails and for more advanced riders to explore the red routes, which offer a greater test of skill and endurance.
Remember to bring your own bike or arrange for rentals if needed. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, and be mindful of other users on the trails, including walkers and families. The thrill of cycling through the ancient woodland, with the sounds of nature as your soundtrack, makes Cardinham Woods a must-visit for any cycling enthusiast.
Family Fun and Themed Trails
Beyond the themed trails, there's a small play park located near the main car park, providing a space for children to burn off energy. The gentle riverside paths are also ideal for family strolls, allowing kids to explore the natural environment, paddle in the stream, and discover local wildlife. The presence of a cafe offering child-friendly options and facilities like toilets further enhances the family-friendly nature of the woods.
Many families appreciate the affordability of a day out at Cardinham Woods, with free entry to the woods themselves and reasonable parking fees that contribute to the site's upkeep. The opportunity for children to connect with nature, engage in imaginative play, and enjoy outdoor activities makes Cardinham Woods a highly recommended family outing in Cornwall.
Autumnal Beauty and Photography
Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the season's beauty. The winding river, with its clear waters reflecting the autumnal hues, provides a serene foreground for stunning landscape shots. Look for viewpoints along the trails that offer panoramic vistas of the valley ablaze with colour. The contrast between the vibrant foliage and the evergreen pines creates dynamic compositions.
Beyond the foliage, the woods offer a rich environment for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for various bird species, and the peaceful ambiance of the forest is perfect for capturing intimate nature scenes. Visiting during the quieter weekday mornings can offer the best light and fewer crowds for an undisturbed photographic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit