Haldon Forest Park, Exeter, South Devon
Major South Devon outdoor activities attraction
Haldon Forest covers high ground in the South Devon countryside between Exeter, the Exe Estuary and the north east section of Dartmoor National Park. Haldon Forest Park is a major South Devon outdoor activities centre.
It has numerous tracks and pathways for bike riding, walking or running. Because there's no danger of traffic it's very popular with families.
You'll find a Go Ape and Go Segway there as well.
There's plenty of parking, a cafe and toilets. It's a top family day out in South Devon.
Note that there are many information boards by the parking area, cafe and toilets. These provide information on all the local activities. You can pick up leaflets as well. PDF versions are available online if you need to plan in detail beforehand.
Location of Haldon Forest Park
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Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)
Haldon Belvedere, or Lawrence Castle, is the distinctive landmark within Haldon Forest Park. Built in 1788, today it's a popular wedding venue. Visit for great views of the local area.
Haldon Forest Park Cycling
This is one of the best places to mountain bike in Devon. Located by the A38 beyond the north eastern border of Dartmoor between the National Park and Exeter, there are a number of trails built into a stunning landscape.
The trails cover all age groups and abilities. We've been taking kids here since age 4. Some of the tracks are very easy. Others are extremely difficult. The trails range from 1.5 miles to 6 miles. There is a short specialist trail and a skills area as well.
If you have young kids, try the Discovery Trail (1.5 miles) and Spicers Trail (2.3 miles).
For older kids and adults, go for Kiddens Trail (4 miles).
The Ridge Ride Trail (6 miles) is aimed at experienced mountain bikers as is the Ridge Ride Extreme (0.6 miles).
Take your own bikes or hire them at Forest Cycle Hire/Haldon Forest Park Cycle Hire. There's plenty of parking, toilets and a cafe.
Haldon Forest Park Walking
The walks at Haldon Forest Park aren't demanding. They're well signposted. The longest are 3 miles.
We'd recommend starting with the Raptor Trail (3 miles). Beginning at the main car park, this trail takes in the Belvedere Tower and the Bird of Prey Viewpoint.
Other routes are the Discovery Trail (1.5 miles), the Butterfly Trail (3 miles) and the Tree Trail (2.5 miles). We've walked all these trails with kids as young as 4 and covered a mile roughly every 30 minutes.
Note that south east of Haldon Forest Park is Mamhead. This trail is 1.5 miles long and provides extraordinary views over the Exe Estuary and South Devon coast.
Go Ape Haldon Forest Park
Move through the canopy of trees high above the forest floor using walkways, swings and zip wires at Haldon Forest Park.
There are a couple of options. Go Ape Tree Top Adventure is aimed at visitors aged 10 or above. Go Ape Tree Top Junior is aimed at visitors aged 6 to 12. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and height and weight restrictions apply. See the Go Ape website for details.
When moving through the canopy, you're clipped onto a safety line and staff provide training.
Go Segway Haldon Forest Park
If you're looking for a memorable and quirky holiday experience, try Go Segway at Haldon Forest Park.
A segway is a self-balancing vehicle with two chunky wheels as seen in the photos to this listing. You guide the vehicle as part of a group along forest tracks.
Haldon Forest Park Horse Riding
There are a number of horse riding trails that run around the forest. Some are close to walking and cycling routes. Others take you away from the crowds. These trails are clearly marked on information boards and leaflets available from the cafe at Haldon Forest Park.
Note that on the other side of the A38 from Haldon Forest Park are Harcombe Riding Trails. There's a car park designed specifically for horse riders with vehicles and horse boxes. These trails are next to Exeter Race Course.
The Ridge Cafe
Located by the car park, there are indoor and outdoor areas in which to sit. There are kids' play areas as well.
Public toilets are across the way.
Forest Cycle Hire/Haldon Forest Park Cycle Hire
If you're on holiday in South Devon but have left your bikes behind then you can hire them by the main visitor centre at Haldon Forest. To visit, head for Haldon Forest car park. Wander towards the cafe and you'll see a cluster of buildings to your right including the Rangers Office and a place where you can hire segways. The cycle hire shop is also there.
Whilst there are plenty of bikes, phone beforehand to check availability as the place gets rammed full in the holiday season.
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