Kielder Water & Forest Park

Home to northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, England’s largest forest and officially the country’s most tranquil spot*, Kielder Water & Forest Park is not to be missed. Nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, explorers, walkers, cyclists, artists, families … anyone looking to escape, set their own agenda and create new experiences will delight in everything the park has to offer.

The forest itself is one of the main attractions featuring mile upon mile of purpose-built trails including forest walks for all the family and dedicated mountain bike tracks. The Lakeside Way is a unique, multi-user trail suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, push chair and wheelchair users and horse riders. The trail encircles Kielder Water stretching for 26 miles.

A haven for wildlife – explorers can expect to encounter deer, otters, badgers, bats and rare breeds of birds. Kielder Water & Forest Park is also home to around 50% of England’s native red squirrel population, the last remaining stronghold in the country. The refurbished hatchery and visitor centre at Kielder Salmon Centre features state of the art facilities for rearing both salmon, and other rare species such as freshwater pearl mussel.

Waterskiing and sailing enthusiasts take to the water all year round and the lake offers a huge challenge to keen trout anglers between March and October. The ‘Osprey’ ferry is an ideal way to see Kielder Water in comfort.

With more than 600 square kilometres to explore, the visitor centres are first ports of call for information hungry visitors. Discover Kielder’s history at the new interactive Tower Knowe Visitor Centre exhibition or visit Kielder Castle Visitor Centre, the former hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland, which is now host to an art gallery and exhibitions. Nearby is an exciting mountain bikes skills area and the start point for the Deadwater single track mountain bike trails. Leaplish Waterside Park boasts luxury self catering forest lodges, an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, restaurant and bar and the Kielder Water Birds of Prey centre.

A fully accessible centre and self catering chalets provided by Calvert Trust Kielder offers outdoor activities, care and relaxation for people with disabilities, their families and friends. Set in a 40 acre woodland site, facilities include a hydrotherapy swimming pool, en suite bedrooms, lounge and bar.

Famed for having the darkest night skies in England thanks to minimal light pollution, Kielder Water & Forest Park is a star gazers’ heaven and the Observatory offers exciting opportunities for those with an interest in learning more about the night sky. There’s also an abundance of contemporary art and architecture in this striking rural setting including the futuristic shelter design of the Belvedere, the Minotaur contemporary maze and the Mapping minigolf course.

The Park hosts a variety of events for all ages and interests all year round. From mountain biking and walking events, to wildlife tours, fishing competitions, vintage car rallies and behind the scenes working forest events. Participate in one of the adventure activities or water open days. There really is something for everyone, from our small family mini-beast hunts and deer safaris to large scale events such as Winter Wonderland, the fun never stops. For a full listing, see www.visitkielder.com/site/events.

With plenty of picnic spots and places to eat throughout the park, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to spending a day trip, weekend break or holiday in the most tranquil area in England.

* Campaign to Protect Rural England