Autumn in Dalby Forest

A Yorkshire Favourite for All Ages

If there is one place near Pickering that truly comes alive in autumn, it has to be Dalby Forest.

As the seasons change and the green canopy transforms into a spectacular mix of gold, orange and bronze, (and of course greens with pine sections too) Dalby becomes one of those places where you naturally want to slow down. The crunch of leaves under your feet, the smell of petrichor, the woodland sounds, the crisp Yorkshire air and the chance to spot wildlife around every corner makes it a wonderful place to spend a day – and return time and time again.

Having grown up in Yorkshire, Dalby Forest has always been somewhere I’ve loved visiting. But over the years it has become even more special as I’ve watched my own children grow up exploring it too. One of the things I love most about Dalby is that it really does grow with you – there is something different to enjoy at every age and stage and life.

From The Swiss Cottage, Dalby Forest is an easy drive away and makes a fantastic day out during your stay in Pickering. If you bring bikes, have confident and safe children … more to follow. But it’s also accessible by bike

A forest with something for everyone

Dalby Forest covers a huge area of woodland and open countryside on the edge of the North York Moors. It is not just somewhere to have a quick walk – you can easily spend a full day here exploring, playing, cycling, walking, picnicking or simply enjoying the scenery.

There are numerous car parks throughout the forest, so you don’t always need to start at the main visitor centre. This is worth knowing, as different areas suit different activities.

The main Visitor Centre at Low Dalby is the best starting point if you want facilities close by, including toilets, cafés, the shop, bike hire and the Grandfather Oak play area. There are also other parking areas around the forest, including Adderstone, Dixon’s Hollow, Seivedale and Low Staindale, which can be useful depending on what you plan to do. (Forestry England)

My tip: Don’t try to do everything in one visit! Pick an area and enjoy it properly.

Autumn walks and woodland exploring

Autumn is probably my favourite time to visit Dalby.

The colours are incredible, and even a simple woodland walk feels special. Children (and adults!) can’t resist collecting interesting leaves, looking for fungi, climbing over fallen trees and seeing what they can discover.

There are walking routes to suit all abilities, from gentle strolls to longer hikes. Some trails are more suitable for little legs and pushchairs, while others take you deeper into the forest and across more challenging terrain. (Forestry England)

A little Yorkshire weather shouldn’t put you off either. Some of my favourite walks have been on slightly damp autumn days when the colours seem even richer. Just bring sensible shoes – muddy boots are part of the experience!

The Gruffalo Trail – a childhood favourite

One of the things my children have loved over the years is searching for the Gruffalo and his friends hidden amongst the trees.

The Gruffalo sculptures are found around the Adderstone area of the forest. Park at Adderstone Field and follow the route towards the play area, where you can hunt for the familiar characters from Julia Donaldson’s much-loved story. (Forestry England)

It is exactly the kind of activity that makes children forget they are “going for a walk”. Suddenly they are explorers on a mission!

Younger children especially love spotting each character, and it turns an ordinary woodland stroll into a little adventure.

Nearby, the Adderstone play area is also a great place to stop, with plenty of open space for running around, playing games, flying a frisbee or simply burning off some energy. (Forestry England)

Playgrounds and picnic days

Dalby Forest is brilliant for family days out because you don’t need to spend money to have fun.

The Grandfather Oak play area, close to the Visitor Centre, is a firm favourite. It has woodland-style play equipment, climbing opportunities, swings, slides and areas designed for imaginative play. There is also a toddler area, making it suitable for younger visitors too. (Forestry England)

This is another place where I’ve watched my own children grow. What started as climbing, exploring and playing on the smaller equipment became bigger adventures as they got older.

There are picnic areas throughout the forest, so taking a packed lunch is a lovely option. Find a picnic table, wrap up warm and enjoy lunch surrounded by trees rather than four walls!

The Visitor Centre area is also handy if you prefer a café stop, with indoor and outdoor seating available. (Forestry England)

Cycling adventures through the trees

Cycling is another reason Dalby Forest is so special.

When my children were small, we hired bikes from the Bike Hub, including a trailer so they could join in before they were ready to cycle independently. As they grew, we progressed to smaller bikes and longer routes.

That is one of the lovely things about Dalby – it really can become part of your family story.

Cycling through the forest in autumn is beautiful. The cooler weather makes it comfortable for longer rides, and riding beneath a canopy of autumn leaves is something you remember.

There are routes for different abilities, from family-friendly trails to more challenging mountain bike routes. (Forestry England)

Go Ape – adventure as children grow

For families with children who love adventure, Go Ape is another fantastic Dalby experience.

We have visited at different ages and stages, and it has been fascinating seeing how their confidence changes over time. What seemed huge and exciting when they were younger becomes a different kind of challenge as they grow.

It is a brilliant way for children to test themselves, build confidence and see the forest from a completely different viewpoint.

Parkrun and active adventures

Dalby Forest is also home to Parkrun, making it a popular Saturday morning destination for runners and walkers.

It is a lovely atmosphere – a chance to get some fresh air, enjoy the forest and start the weekend feeling energised.

Of course, you don’t need to be sporty to enjoy Dalby. Some of the best visits are the simple ones: a walk, a picnic, a flask of hot chocolate, collecting leaves or just enjoying being outside.

A hidden gem nearby – The Bridestones

If you enjoy something a little different, I highly recommend a visit to The Bridestones.

This is a more rugged and atmospheric part of the Dalby area, with unusual sandstone rock formations sitting amongst open moorland. The formations have been shaped over thousands of years by weathering from frost, wind and rain. (Forestry England)

The circular walk starts from Low Staindale car park and includes a steeper section before opening out onto beautiful moorland views. It is a more adventurous walk and not suitable for pushchairs, but it is well worth it for older children, walkers and anyone wanting a quieter side of Dalby. (Forestry England)

It is also a wonderful picnic spot – imagine sitting amongst the rocks with views across the North York Moors.

Stargazing in Dalby Forest

Because Dalby Forest is away from major towns and light pollution, it is also a fantastic place for stargazing.

The Visitor Centre area is recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, and the forest hosts astronomy events with local astronomical groups. On a clear autumn evening, wrapping up warm and looking up at the stars is a completely different way to experience the forest. (Go Stargazing)

It is easy to forget how many stars you can see when you are used to town and city lights.

Our recommendation

If you are staying at The Swiss Cottage, Dalby Forest is one of the places I always suggest adding to your plans.

Whether you have toddlers searching for the Gruffalo, older children wanting adventure, cyclists looking for trails, dogs needing a good walk, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of Yorkshire woodland, Dalby really does have something for everyone.

And my biggest tip?

Don’t rush. Take a flask, wear your boots, allow more time than you think you need and enjoy the fact that you are surrounded by one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes.