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Nature, cycling and discovery in the Heart of the Forest

A gentle, car-free family escape in the Heart of the National Forest, where woodland trails, hands-on play and peaceful overnight stays come together in a landscape transformed from former mining sites into thriving young woodland.

Itinerary schedule

1. Getting to the Heart of the Forest

Travel to Burton-on-Trent by train around 30-40 minutes from Birmingham New Street or 1 hr 10 mins from Leicester. From Burton, catch the Diamond East Midlands 19C bus towards Ashby or Measham and hop off at Moira Furnace, right in the centre of the National Forest.

From here, follow the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail (The Forest Way), a flat, off-road greenway through woodland and open countryside. It’s around 30-40 minutes on foot to Hicks Lodge and suitable for walking, cycling or buggies.

2. Woodland cycling and nature play

Begin your day at Hicks Lodge, a friendly Forestry England site offering some of the best family cycling in the region. Once a colliery, it’s now a thriving young woodland filled with birds, dragonflies and deer.

Explore:

Family Forest Trail - smooth, well-surfaced and ideal for new riders.
Woodland Trail - a longer loop through quiet glades and around the lake.
Pump track - for confident riders wanting a challenge.

Bike hire, helmets, trailers and balance bikes are available onsite. Families can also enjoy the Lakeside Café, outdoor picnic areas and a natural play space with climbing logs and tree stumps.

3. Overnight stay at Hastings Retreat

After a full day outdoors, head to Hastings Retreat, just a short walk, cycle or five‑minute drive from Hicks Lodge. This peaceful collection of timber-clad lodges and glamping pods sits on the edge of the forest, offering private facilities, kitchen spaces and outdoor seating.

Children can meet the resident goats and donkeys, enjoy the small play area, and settle into the calm of the countryside. Cook onsite or head to Moira or Ashby-de-la-Zouch for a family-friendly meal.

4. Hands-on fun & forest trails

The next morning, travel a few minutes to CONKERS, a 120-acre attraction combining indoor exhibits with woodland trails, lakes and creative play zones.

Highlights include:

Discovery Centre - 4D cinema, hands-on science exhibits, treetop walk simulator.
Waterside Centre - barefoot sensory paths, natural building zones, creative play.
Outdoor adventures - Enchanted Forest, balance challenges, themed trails and wildlife spotting.

A miniature train links the two centres, and surfaced paths make the site fully accessible for buggies and wheelchairs.

5. Forest trails & active exploration

For families wanting more adventure, the surrounding woodland offers accessible walking routes and seasonal nature trails. Wildlife spotting is easy - look out for dragonflies, butterflies, woodland birds and wetland species around the lakes.

If you prefer cycling, the figure-of-eight paths around CONKERS and the wider Heart of the Forest provide gentle, scenic routes suitable for all abilities.

6. Return to Moira Furnace

After a full day at CONKERS, return to Moira Furnace to catch the 19C bus back to Burton-on-Trent, completing a simple circular public transport route through the Heart of the Forest.

Reflect on a weekend that blends nature, cycling, hands-on play and peaceful woodland stays - all without needing a car.

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