Dog-Friendly Forests in the UK: 2026 Guide

A guide to the UK's best dog-friendly forests: the Forestry England Forest Dog Code, the Forest of Dean, Kielder, Grizedale, Thetford and more.

A woodland trail through a UK forest, ideal for dog walks
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By Rob Griffiths18 June 2026 · 9 min read

Forests are some of the best dog-walking country in Britain: sheltered from the weather, soft underfoot, and rich in the sights and smells a dog loves. Forestry England, which looks after the nation's public forests, actively welcomes dogs and even runs a Forest Dog Code to keep everyone safe. From England's largest forest in Northumberland to the ancient oaks of the Forest of Dean, there is a great dog walk within reach of almost everyone. This guide picks the best dog-friendly forests and the simple rules that keep them that way.

Are dogs allowed in Forestry England forests?

Yes, and they are genuinely welcome. Forestry England (the public body that manages England's national forests on behalf of the nation) allows dogs across its forests and runs an annual Forest Walkies campaign to encourage dog owners in. The only expectations are common-sense ones, set out in its Forest Dog Code.

  • Keep your dog close and in sight, and use a lead if it does not always return when called.
  • Bag and bin your dog's waste, or take it home.
  • Follow the signs to protect forest wildlife and any grazing animals, and to avoid seasonal works.
  • Take care around other visitors, cyclists and horse riders sharing the trails.

Most forests are free to enter with paid parking, and the bigger visitor sites have waymarked trails, cafes, toilets and dog bins. For more on the organisation, see the Forestry England overview.

Which are the best dog-friendly forests in the UK?

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Forest of Dean Editor's pick

Ancient oak forest with trails for every dog

  • All-round dog walking
  • Family days out
  • Combining with the Wye Valley
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near wildlife and roads
  • Region Gloucestershire
  • Highlight Sculptures and ponds
The Forest of Dean is one of England's great ancient woodlands, and a dog walker's dream: the great majority of its paths suit dogs, with few stiles or roads and rarely any crowding. Forestry England's visitor sites at Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, Mallards Pike and Symonds Yat Rock all make ideal starting points, with parking, toilets and bins. Combine it with the neighbouring Wye Valley for a full weekend of dog walking.

What we liked

  • Huge choice of easy trails
  • Several visitor sites with facilities
  • Few stiles or road crossings

Watch out for

  • Can be busy at Beechenhurst
  • Some shared cycle trails

Ancient oaks, sculpture trails and barely a stile in sight, the Forest of Dean is built for dog walks.

NORTHUMBERLAND

Kielder Forest

England's largest forest and a wildlife haven

  • Wildlife and wilderness
  • Space and solitude
  • Stargazing trips
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near wildlife
  • Region Northumberland
  • Highlight Dark skies and red squirrels
Kielder, in the wilds of Northumberland, is the largest forest in England and one of Europe's largest planted forests, wrapped around a vast reservoir. It has miles of dog-friendly trails, England's biggest red-squirrel population and breeding ospreys, and as a Dark Sky Park it is magical at dusk. It is remote and uncrowded, which makes it a wonderful place to give a dog real space, though you will want a lead where wildlife is sensitive.

What we liked

  • England's largest forest
  • Red squirrels and ospreys
  • Genuinely uncrowded

Watch out for

  • Remote, with a long drive in
  • Lead needed near sensitive wildlife

CUMBRIA

Grizedale Forest

Sculpture trails in the heart of the Lake District

  • Lake District trips
  • Family trails
  • Wet-weather walks
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near livestock
  • Region Cumbria
  • Highlight Hidden sculptures
Grizedale, set between Coniston Water and Windermere in the Lake District, is famous for the contemporary sculptures hidden along its waymarked trails, which turn a forest walk into a treasure hunt. The mix of easy low-level paths and steeper climbs suits dogs of any fitness, and the surrounding fells are some of the finest walking country in England. It is a great wet-weather alternative when the high tops are in cloud.

What we liked

  • Sculpture trails for all ages
  • Easy and challenging routes
  • Sheltered Lake District walking

Watch out for

  • Steeper trails can be tiring
  • Busy in school holidays

NORFOLK

Thetford Forest

Britain's largest lowland pine forest

  • Easy, flat walking
  • Longer rambles
  • East Anglia days out
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near wildlife
  • Region Norfolk
  • Highlight Flat, easy trails

Thetford Forest, straddling the Norfolk and Suffolk border, is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain, with flat, easy trails that make it ideal for a relaxed dog walk or a longer ramble. The waymarked Fir Trail comes in 5, 10 and 12-kilometre options depending on your dog's energy, and the open, sandy heath between the pines is a pleasure to walk. It is an easy, accessible day out for East Anglian dog owners.

What we liked

  • Largest lowland pine forest
  • Choice of trail lengths
  • Flat and accessible

Watch out for

  • Less dramatic scenery
  • Shared with cyclists in places

STAFFORDSHIRE

Cannock Chase

Heathland and forest in the Midlands

  • Midlands days out
  • Varied terrain
  • Accessible green space
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near deer
  • Region Staffordshire
  • Highlight Heath and deer
Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Staffordshire, blends forest with open heathland and is the largest surviving area of lowland heath in the Midlands. Its mix of woodland trails and open heath gives variety on a single walk, and it is a popular, accessible green space for a huge swathe of central England. Fallow deer roam here, so keep your dog under close control and on a lead where signs ask.

What we liked

  • Forest and open heath in one
  • Central and easy to reach
  • Wildlife including fallow deer

Watch out for

  • Lead needed around the deer
  • Can be busy at weekends

NORTH YORKSHIRE

Dalby Forest

Family trails on the edge of the North York Moors

  • Family days out
  • Yorkshire trips
  • Facility-rich visits
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near livestock
  • Region North Yorkshire
  • Highlight Forest drive and trails

Dalby Forest, on the southern edge of the North York Moors, is a well-equipped Forestry England site with a forest drive, waymarked walking and cycling trails, and good visitor facilities. The varied trails through pine and broadleaf woodland suit dogs of all energies, and the moorland fringe adds bigger views. It is a reliable, facility-rich day out for a Yorkshire dog walk, with parking, cafes and bins on hand.

What we liked

  • Well-equipped visitor site
  • Trails for every fitness
  • Moorland-edge scenery

Watch out for

  • Forest drive toll in parts
  • Shared cycle trails

WORCESTERSHIRE

Wyre Forest

Ancient woodland with a Valley of the Giants

  • West Midlands days out
  • Ancient woodland
  • Muddy-dog walks
  • Managed by Forestry England
  • Dog access Welcome, lead near wildlife
  • Region Worcestershire
  • Highlight Giant firs and a dog wash
The Wyre Forest, on the Worcestershire and Shropshire border, is one of the largest ancient woodlands in England, and its circular Giants Trail leads through an arboretum and down into a valley of towering Douglas firs. The going is varied and the woodland rich in wildlife, and the visitor centre even offers a dog-wash service for muddy paws after the walk. It makes a lovely, lesser-known day out in the West Midlands.

What we liked

  • Towering Douglas firs
  • Dog-wash service on site
  • Quieter than the big-name forests

Watch out for

  • Some steeper valley sections
  • Muddy after rain

Tips for visiting a forest with your dog

Follow the Forest Dog Code

Keep your dog close and in sight, and use a lead if it does not reliably come back when called. The code keeps wildlife, livestock and other visitors safe.

Watch for wildlife and deer

Many forests have deer, ground-nesting birds and protected species. Keep your dog under close control and lead up where signs ask.

Mind the shared trails

Forests are popular with cyclists and horse riders. Keep your dog close on shared trails and step aside to let bikes pass.

Check for seasonal work

Forestry operations and nesting seasons can close trails or add restrictions. Follow the on-site signs, which are always up to date.

Bring water and check for ticks

Carry water for the longer trails, and check your dog for ticks after walks through bracken and long grass.

Use the facilities

The bigger visitor sites have parking, cafes, bins and sometimes dog-wash points. Plan your start from one to make the day easy.

Frequently asked questions

Q01Are dogs allowed in Forestry England forests?
Yes. Forestry England welcomes dogs across its forests and runs a Forest Walkies campaign each year. The simple Forest Dog Code asks you to keep your dog close and in sight, use a lead if it does not always return, clean up, and take care around wildlife and other visitors.
Q02Do dogs have to be on a lead in the forest?
Not everywhere, but a lead is required if your dog does not reliably return when called, and near grazing animals, deer, ground-nesting birds and on shared trails. Always follow the on-site signs, which flag where leads are needed.
Q03Which is the best forest for dog walking in the UK?
The Forest of Dean is a standout, with a huge choice of easy, dog-friendly trails and few stiles or roads. Kielder offers wilderness and wildlife, Grizedale has Lake District sculpture trails, and Thetford has flat, accessible walking, so the best depends on your region and your dog.
Q04Do you have to pay to visit Forestry England forests?
Most forests are free to enter, with paid parking at the main visitor sites. A Forestry England membership or annual parking pass can quickly pay for itself if you visit regularly, and it supports the upkeep of the trails.
Q05Are forests safe for dogs off the lead?
In many areas, yes, provided your dog has reliable recall and there are no signs or grazing animals requiring a lead. Keep your dog in sight, watch for deer and wildlife, and lead up on shared cycle trails and near roads.

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