Rosliston Forestry Centre
A woodland haven with exciting play areas, scenic trails, and bird of prey displays. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Play areas are buzzing
Rosliston Forestry Centre
Best Time
Play areas are buzzing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A woodland haven with exciting play areas, scenic trails, and bird of prey displays. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
"A lovely free day out walking around the forestry, with plenty to keep little ones entertained."
🚗 Parking Fees
All-day parking is £4.00. Machines can be slow, so be patient! :parking:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking and playing! Trails are good paths, trial shoes are fine. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The New Play Area
Central area
A thrilling hawk-themed climbing structure, slides, and walls for adventurous kids.
Woodland Walks & Trails
Throughout the centre
Explore diverse trees, a sculpture trail, and peaceful paths perfect for dog walkers.
Birds of Prey Display
Near the cafe
Get up close to various birds of prey with friendly owners sharing insights.
The Hob Cafe
Visitor Centre
Enjoy a cuppa and a bite in a friendly atmosphere with like-minded visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Playtime Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
All-day parking is £4.00. Machines can be slow, so be patient! :parking:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking and playing! Trails are good paths, trial shoes are fine. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Rosliston is great for dogs! Enjoy lovely walks with your furry friends. :dog:
🌳 Explore the Trails
Discover notable trees, a sculpture trail, and peaceful forest paths. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
All-day parking is £4.00. Machines can be slow, so be patient! :parking:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking and playing! Trails are good paths, trial shoes are fine. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Rosliston is great for dogs! Enjoy lovely walks with your furry friends. :dog:
🌳 Explore the Trails
Discover notable trees, a sculpture trail, and peaceful forest paths. :evergreen_tree:
☕ Cafe Delights
The Hob Cafe offers friendly service, tea, toast, and biscuits. :coffee:
📅 Check for Events
Frequent events and organized activities are available for a small cost. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rosliston Forestry Centre as a fantastic, free day out with plenty to entertain families and dog walkers. The new play area is a major highlight, alongside the peaceful woodland walks and friendly cafe. While parking is affordable, some find the machines slow.
"A great place for the kids to burn some energy.
There are three separate play areas, one of which has a sand area.
There is a cafe if you’d like to buy food/drinks. There are also many picnic benches, so you can always pack a picnics with you.
There are also toilets.
The best thing is you just pay for parking, which is fairly priced.
We took our kids bike and they loved riding them around the trail.
We’d definitely visit again."
Harpreet Sangha Sembhi
"Lovely place to spend a day out. Some unique designs slides we found there 😁. Coffee shop and afordable soft play also. Definitely we will come back."
Marius Buse
"A lovely free day out walking around the forestry. Plenty to keep little ones entertained & nice peaceful walks. Well kept forestry with frequent events, a lovely coffee shop & softplay.
Suitable for all ages, Literally."
Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rosliston Forestry Centre is located in Derbyshire. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common method. The centre has ample parking available for visitors.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available. The all-day parking fee is £4.00. Be aware that the parking machines can be slow, and there's an additional machine at the visitor centre entrance.
Yes, there are cycle routes available, making it accessible for cyclists.
The main access is typically via the visitor centre, which houses the cafe and information. From there, you can access the various trails and play areas.
The centre is well-signposted and a popular destination, making it relatively easy to find by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Rosliston Forestry Centre itself is free, making it a lovely free day out for walking and enjoying the grounds. However, there is a charge for parking.
Opening hours can vary, especially for specific facilities like the cafe or play areas. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
No, general entry is free. You do not need to book tickets to access the grounds.
The primary cost is for parking, which is £4.00 for the day. Some organized activities may also have a small additional fee.
Yes, Rosliston Forestry Centre is very dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome on the trails.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Kids will love the brand new hawk climbing construction with slides and walls, as well as a nearby play area with a massive wooden tractor. There's also a sculpture trail.
Absolutely! There are many trails to follow, including a notable tree collection with information posts and a sculpture trail. The paths are generally good and wide.
Yes, there's a display of birds of prey where you can get quite close and learn about different types from friendly owners.
Yes, The Hob Cafe is located at the visitor centre, offering a comfortable atmosphere, tea, toast, and biscuits.
The centre hosts frequent events, including Parkruns and special openings for new play areas. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
The play areas are designed to be suitable for children of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The new play area with its unique hawk design offers great photo opportunities. The woodland trails, especially with dappled sunlight, and the birds of prey display are also picturesque.
Yes, you can take photos of the birds of prey. The owners are friendly and happy to chat about them, providing great opportunities for wildlife photography.
Events, like the opening of new play areas or weddings, often provide unique and lively photo opportunities.
Nature photography, family portraits amidst the greenery, and capturing the joy of children on the play equipment are popular.
Yes, Rosliston Forestry Centre is a venue for outdoor weddings, offering a beautiful natural backdrop for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, or grab a bite at The Hob Cafe. The free entry makes it an affordable outing, with only the parking fee to consider.
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Play Area: A Child's Dream
+1 This area has been praised for its inclusivity, being suitable for children of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs. Adjacent to this, visitors can find another play zone boasting a massive wooden tractor, adding another layer of fun for little ones.
It's clear this new addition is a major draw for families, ensuring hours of entertainment and active play. Community Buzz Around the Play Area
Social media buzz confirms the play area's popularity. Reels showcase children gleefully exploring the new structures, with parents noting how long their kids want to stay and play.
+1 The excitement surrounding the opening weekend was palpable, with events designed to celebrate the new addition. This focus on high-quality, engaging play facilities makes Rosliston Forestry Centre a top destination for family outings.Exploring the Woodlands: Trails and Nature
Beyond the tree trails, the centre features a sculpture trail specifically designed to engage inquisitive children. Maps are available to guide families along the route, often accompanied by question sheets to make the exploration interactive and fun.
Beyond the Paths
The experience extends to bird watching, with a dedicated bird watching hut offering a quiet spot to observe local wildlife.
+1 The well-maintained paths are also suitable for cycling, and the forest canopy provides welcome shade during warmer months, making it a pleasant experience year-round. Events and Activities: More Than Just a Walk
A popular recurring event is the Saturday morning Parkrun, which utilizes the good paths and scenic woodland setting. The course is well-marshalled, with wider sections to prevent bottlenecks and timing signs to help faster runners clear the start. Volunteers are noted for being friendly and making the event worthwhile.
Beyond organized runs and openings, the centre also hosts other activities, sometimes at a small cost, ensuring there's always something happening. Whether it's a seasonal event or a special celebration, checking the centre's schedule can significantly enhance a visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit