If you're looking for a spectacular forest escape within easy reach of Manchester, Delamere Forest in Cheshire offers walking and cycling trails, Go Ape treetop adventures, horse riding, a lakeside nature reserve, live music events and a café — all just a short train ride away. 

Delamere Forest | Forests and Nature Reserves in Cheshire

What to expect at Delamere Forest

• Waymarked walking trails ranging from easy strolls to longer forest routes
• Cycling and mountain biking trails through the forest
• Go Ape treetop adventure course
• Horse riding routes through the woodland
• Room on the Broom interactive family trail
• Eddi's Hillfort — new children's play area (opened April 2026)
• Orienteering courses
• Blakemere lake and wildlife nature reserve
• Weekly Parkrun — Saturdays at 9am (free)
• Delamere Forest Café with wood-fired pizza van
• Forest Holidays cabins for overnight stays
• All-terrain mobility scooter hire
• Cycle hire on site
• Visitor Centre, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
• Regular live music and seasonal events programme
• Direct train access via Delamere station

Delamere Forest in Cheshire

Delamere Forest is the largest area of woodland in Cheshire and one of the most popular visitor destinations in the North West of England, managed by Forestry England. Located near Northwich, it sits within easy reach of both Manchester and Liverpool — with its own train station on the Chester to Manchester Piccadilly line — making it one of the most accessible forest destinations in the region. The forest is open every day except Christmas Day and offers a wide range of activities, trails and facilities for all ages and abilities.

Walking and cycling

Delamere's waymarked walking trails are all circular and range from shorter, gentler forest road routes to longer and more challenging treks. Highlights include a climb to the top of Old Pale Hill, from which on a clear day views stretch as far as Liverpool. A downloadable trail map is available from the Forestry England website. Two cycling routes are also marked through the forest on forest roads, suitable for families and recreational riders. Separate mountain bike trails offer a more technical challenge for experienced riders.

Go Ape, play and family activities

Go Ape at Delamere Forest offers aerial adventure for all the family, with a range of treetop experiences bookable in advance. The forest's new children's play area, Eddi's Hillfort, opened in April 2026 and provides a themed outdoor play experience for younger visitors. The Room on the Broom interactive trail is also a firm family favourite, offering activities and forest facts along a themed route through the trees.

Wildlife, nature and the lake

Blakemere, the forest's tranquil lake, is a key destination for wildlife watching, with a variety of birds and other wildlife visible from the lakeside paths. The broader forest habitat supports a rich range of species throughout the seasons, and the forest is part of a wider programme of nature conservation managed by Forestry England. Note that the Blakemere Loop Trail and 10k running trail are currently closed while a new permanent bridge is constructed — check the website for updates before visiting.

Delamere Forest Café

The family-run Delamere Forest Café is set in the heart of the forest at the main Visitor Centre, serving freshly made hot and cold food and drinks throughout the day using locally sourced ingredients, including coffee roasted on the Wirral. A wood-fired pizza van is also on site. The café offers stunning forest views and is a welcoming spot whatever the weather.

Live music and events

Delamere Forest hosts a popular programme of outdoor live music events throughout the summer, with past and upcoming headliners including The Kooks, Skunk Anansie, Garbage, UB40 feat. Ali Campbell and Fatboy Slim. Seasonal events, nature walks and family activities run throughout the year. Check the events listing on the Forestry England website for the latest programme.

Important information

• Opening times: Open every day except Christmas Day. Car park open Summer 8am–8pm; Winter 8am–5pm
• Address: Linmere, Delamere, Northwich, CW8 2HZ
• Admission: Free entry to the forest. Parking charges apply (see below). Free admission for those arriving by public transport or bike
• Parking: Three car parks on site (Visitor Centre, Treetops and Whitefield). Cashless — card, device or RingGo app. Visitor Centre and Treetops: up to 1 hour £4; up to 2 hours £7.50; up to 3 hours £11; over 3 hours £12.50. Whitefield: up to 1 hour £3.80; up to 2 hours £7; up to 3 hours £9; over 3 hours £9.50. Annual membership available from £76 including free parking
• Accessibility: All-terrain mobility scooter hire available on site. Accessible toilets, Changing Places facility and baby changing available. Several trails suitable for wheelchair users — see access information page for full details
• Transport: Delamere train station is served by regular trains between Chester and Manchester Piccadilly, with Treetops Car Park just 5 minutes' walk from the station. Car-free visitors receive free admission — plan your journey at goodjourney.org.uk. The forest is also served by the ITravel on demand bus service
• No bins on site — please take all litter home

Find out more: https://www.forestryengland.uk/delamere-forest | 0300 067 4340 | delamere-rangers@forestryengland.uk

Photo credit: https://www.forestryengland.uk/delamere-forest