Hicks Lodge: The National Forest Cycling Centre

Hicks Lodge is one of the National Forest's most popular outdoor destinations, offering family-friendly walking, cycling, wellbeing and nature experiences in the heart of a growing woodland landscape.

Whether you're visiting with young children, heading out for a peaceful walk, or looking for an off-road cycling adventure, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There’s a range of waymarked trails, from easy family routes and accessible paths to exciting mountain bike trails for more experienced riders.

Families can enjoy children's play areas, explore the woodland trails, discover the Gruffalo sculpture, do character activity trails and look out for wildlife from the bird hide. For those seeking a quieter visit, walking routes and the wellbeing trail provide opportunities to relax and connect with nature.

Cyclists can make the most of purpose-built cycling trails and bike hire. There’s also an innovative Pedal and Play area for budding young mountain bikers. While the visitor hub offers a café, toilets and parking to help make your day out as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Developed through a partnership between Forestry England and the National Forest Company, Hicks Lodge showcases how former industrial land has been transformed into a thriving woodland for people and wildlife.

Hicks Lodge is a great place for families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. Explore woodland trails, mountain bike routes, children's play areas, wildlife habitats and the ever popular Grounds Cafe, all set within one of the National Forest's most successful woodland creation sites.

• Baby changing facilities 
• Bike hire 
• Bird hide 
• Café 
• Car and coach parking  
• Cycling trails 
• Outdoor picnic areas 
• Play area 
• Toilets 
• Walking trails 

• Opening hours may vary   
• The trails are free to use. Car parking charges apply 
• Café open from 9am with variable closing time.