Stay near Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

(credit: visitkent.co.uk)

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is an award-winning visitor attraction comprising of the National Pinetum, a globally important tree collection, and Bedgebury Forest.

Bedgebury Pinetum is home to the National Conifer Collection and is recognised as one of the most significant collections of conifers anywhere in the world. It contains over 12,000 specimen trees set in 320 acres of Grade ll listed landscape within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Bedgebury Pinetum is awe-inspiring for tree lovers looking to learn about international tree conservation and a beautiful setting for peaceful walks, and picnics around the rolling hills, valleys, and lakes.

The forest is home to a children’s play trail, Go Ape high ropes courses, many miles of family cycling, mountain bike trails and waymarked running routes. Whether exploring the forest or the pinetum, Bedgebury provides a beautiful and tranquil setting to walk, play, picnic, learn, immerse in nature, and enjoy.

Bedgebury Forest, set in a further 2000 acres is the perfect place for those seeking more adventure. Shared forest paths are ideal for running, walking, and cycling, catering to all ages and abilities. The forest features waymarked running trails of 2km, 3km, 5km, and 10km, a 9km blue family cycle trail, and a 13km red singletrack mountain bike trail.

At the Visitor Centre, staff are available to help you make the most from your visit with maps, seasonal trail leaflets and activity packs.

Bedgebury Café serves a wide range of tasty hot and cold locally sourced food, delicious cakes, and a range of hot and cold refreshments. Indoor and outdoor seating is available overlooking one of Bedgebury Pinetum's beautiful lakes.

Younger visitors aged 1 to 13 years can follow in the footsteps of the historic plant hunters on the 2km natural play trail taking in 12 challenging play areas. If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo's Child and other characters from the Julia Donaldson book too.

The visitor centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users and includes an accessible toilet, baby changing facilities, and a Changing Places facility for those with additional needs. We have an all-terrain mobility scooter and wheelchair for hire and is bookable in advance.

Dogs are welcome on-site; they must be kept on a lead in the pinetum and around the children’s play trail.

Bedgebury hosts a busy program of events and activities throughout the year, suitable for individuals, groups, and families of all ages. Weekly fitness and wellbeing activities include running groups, wellbeing walks, yoga, guided cycle groups, and parkrun. The most popular event is the spectacular after-dark illuminated trail, Christmas at Bedgebury.

On-site facilities also include cycle hire for all ages and a bike shop offering sales and servicing. Go Ape offers three different treetop adventures for the whole family.  Bedgebury’s dedicated learning team, supported by the Kent High Weald Partnership, offers school trips and forest school activities during term time and summer holidays, enriching the educational experience for young visitors.