Yahoo News The stunning forest near Greater Manchester named one of the best in the UK
A forest nestled in the Cheshire countryside has been named among the best to explore in the UK, according to new research. Delamere Forest, less than an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester, was included in a list of the country’s top forests to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
Delamere made the cut thanks to its excellent facilities including picnics areas, cycle hire and toilets, as well as having an on site cafe and an information point. The list, compiled by outdoor experts at Millets, included three other forests in the UK.
These were: Kielder Forest, on the northern border of Northumberland; Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter in Devon; and High Lodge Forest, which is part of Thetford forest in the east of England. Each of them offers stunning scenery and a variety of trails to explore.
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But since it’s right on our doorstep, it would be rude not to pay Delamere Forest a visit. In fact it’s incredibly easy to access as it even has its own train station, although there is parking if you prefer to drive.
The forest is full of diverse scenery, with evergreens, open grasslands and wetlands to explore. There’s a Go Ape site where you can navigate aerial courses, Segway riding and Gruffalo trails for kids. Horse riders are welcome too with a specific car park available for those with trailers.
All that exploring can work up an appetite, but luckily the Delamere Forest Café is on hand for refreshments. It serves hot and cold meals from 9am to 4pm every day, and until 5pm at weekends. For those who’ve brought their own picnics there are plenty of benches spread out across the forest.
In the heart of the forest are cabins where people can stay to extend their forest experience and fully immerse themselves in nature. With underfloor heating, log burners and hot tubs to rent, the cabins provide a cosy retreat among the trees which is perfect for a tranquil getaway.
