Simply Kielder

Simply Kielder

Overview

Kielder Water & Forest Park brings you nature on a grander scale. The views are bigger, the night sky brighter, the sports wilder and the smiles wider. Home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and, at over 250 square miles, the largest working forest in England.

Have it your way. There’s so much to do here the choice really is yours. Don’t forget to check opening times for the attractions before you set off.

Day one
Start the day walking or cycling on the Lakeside Way, a multi-user trail that gives you a unique experience with access to the most scenic parts of the lake shore. The Lakeside Way has a good surface which is suitable for comfortable walking boots, wellington boots or trainers. Some hills may be difficult for younger or less experienced cyclists and it is recommended that people in wheelchairs are accompanied.

There is a lovely stretch from Leaplish Waterside Park to the Mirage deck. Approximately 3.5 miles it will take an hour and a half each way.

Following this, take a stroll to Kielder Castle Cafe for a hearty lunch. The cosy family run cafe serves locally sourced homemade food daily including breakfasts, lunches, snacks, soup and cakes.

In the afternoon pay a visit to the Kielder Salmon Centre to uncover the exciting journey along the Tyne Salmon Trail as well as other breeding projects at Kielder such as fresh water pearl mussels.

Finish your day with a round of mini golf and a swim in the pool at Kielder Waterside Park.

Nestled within the forest the lodges at Kielder Waterside bring a touch of luxury to the great outdoors. With a range of lodges to choose from, from pet-friendly to private hot tubs, there’s the perfect home-from-home. For family sized adventures or romantic getaways, there’s a choice for everyone.

Day two
From Kielder Waterside Park you can get the Osprey ferry for outstanding views around Kielder Water to Tower Knowe Visitor Centre and its interactive exhibition. Now is a great time to stop for a coffee or lunch at Café on the water.

You might prefer to return to Kielder Waterside and have a spot of lunch at the Boat Inn restaurant and bar.

Don’t forget to check out the flying demonstration at Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre (check on the morning what time the demonstration will be that day). They care for a whole host of birds including owls, falcons and vultures as well as a familiy of wallabiels. Be amazed by two of the largest flying birds in the world, a pair of Great White Pelicans.

 

Places and distances

(click attraction name for more details)
NE48 1ER

Lakeside Way

Thanks to the Lakeside Way, a multi-user trail that follows the 27 mile Kielder Water shoreline, you can have a unique and beautiful walking experience.
 

Kielder Water
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Kielder Waterside

Luxury lodges at Kielder Waterside boast panoramic views over the reservoir and forest.

www.kielderwaterside.com- book your holiday now! 

Approx 3.9 mile(s) between Lakeside Way and Kielder Waterside
Leaplish Ferry
NE48 1ER

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre

FOREST DRIVE IS NOW CLOSED and will re-open 1st April 2023. 

Kielder Castle is also closed until further notice. Take-away food open from 1st April 2023.

Approx 3.93 mile(s) between Kielder Waterside and Kielder Castle Visitor Centre
Picnic bench
NE48 1HX

Kielder Salmon Centre

We are making improvements to the Kielder Salmon Centre and need to reduce our opening times to ensure we keep you safe while this work is being completed.

This work is programmed to be completed on August 12th 2022.

Our New opening times are as follows

Monday-Friday                12pm to 4 pm

Saturday and Sunday      10am-4pm

A modern visitor centre with touch screen and video displays describing the life cycle of the Atlantic Salmon, and an outdoor artwork.

Approx 0.1 mile(s) between Kielder Castle Visitor Centre and Kielder Salmon Centre
Salmon