If you've ever enjoyed reading Julia Donaldson's "The Gruffalo" to your kids, and you find yourself in Northeast England, make your way over to Hamsterley Forest and walk the Gruffalo Trail - one of 15 such trails scattered across forests in the UK, with each trail ending at a unique Gruffalo sculpture. Hamsterley is a lovely little forest, largest in Durham County, with several hiking and biking trails that are longer and more arduous than the one we took along the river with our young ones and their cousins. The trail begins across the street from the forest headquarters, where we had to go in to pay our £4 parking fee as the only pay station in the main car park that was not broken would only take one-pound coins, and we didn't have enough. Along with a map they also gave us a copy of Julia Donaldson's more recent book "Superworm" - apparently the Gruffalo Trail is now also one of 20 designated Superworm Trails. But the kids were here to look for the Gruffalo, not get distracted by worms, however super they may be. Hamsterley's Gruffalo Trail starts off gently down a meadow and then crosses a bridge, with a fast flowing but shallow river underneath. Watching all the water and greenery was a sight for our sore drought-stricken California eyes, and our girls refused to walk by a single muddy puddle without jumping in it - we were so happy we had the foresight to have them in their Wellingtons! There are plenty of things to look for and do along the Gruffalo Trail, such as an obstacle course designed for kids, informational boards about woodland flora and fauna, and scattered among the trees, hidden creatures from the Gruffalo book! Like The Snake and The Fox and The Owl and of course, at the end of the trail, The Gruffalo - standing over eight feet tall and complete with horns, purple prickles on its back and a wart on its nose! After the hike, we had a small picnic in the fairly large play area by the river, enjoying biscuits and fruit and juice while bees buzzed around the beautiful wildflowers that were everywhere! Refueled, the kids then spent an hour splashing around in the shallow stream next to the play area - the Forest Service have thoughtfully dammed the river at this point so that the water becomes a shallow trickle - even our tiny two year old had no trouble crossing it. So if you ever find yourself in the Northeast you know, Go Walk a Trail with the Gruffalo! read more

Used to go to Hamsterley a lot. As usual we bought a yearly pass (now referred to as membership). Sadly they have installed a new camera instant-fine system for parking so you have to log your car reg to avoid an instant fine. Couldn't remember if we had updated our car reg after we changed cars so called Hamsterley only to be told that they can't check it from there was advised to call the 'management company' that administers the 'membership' and was given a number. Called the number and after a bit of on-hold for a message that they 'can't take' my call. Tried a number of times. Called Hamsterley back; no answer. "Guess what kids"? "You aren't going on a trip to Hamsterley today". "Awwww Dad". Now we could go but would have to fork out another £7 for an hour or two trip to Hamsterley. Just a frustrating experience dealing with an organisation that has thoughtlessly outsourced its ticketing to a company that simply couldnt care less. Will not be renewing and will choosing other venues. Sad. read more

This is a great place for a qonderful fresh air fix. It is very wheelchair frfiendly which is my main priority and the scenery is wonderful It is a great place for all the family which is great for an inexpensive day out. read more

on a work day or during term time this is a great place to visit, not too many around and quiet walks can be enjoyed. can get noisy at other times and can run the risk of getting run over my mountain bikers out to prove something.most are ok just one or two. downside -it costs to use the toll road. Hamsterley visitor centre and Hamsterley Tearoom is open daily, 10am-4pm. The forest drive and car parks are open as normal. Parking and Forest Drive access is £3 per car (£5 on Bank Holiday weekends) watch out for the speed ramps they are a killer I grounded my motorbike exhaust on one of the bloody things. read more

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The forest is one of the most scenic places in Co Durham. Fantastic at any time of the year, but especially autumn when the colours are magnificent. As well as hiking and cycling activities you can take your dog for a nice walk in the forest. If you have kids you may be interested in the range of activities which go from the rangers lodge. During the current period they are offering carriage rides around the forest, visiting santa and making christmas decorations. In summer it is things like wildlife treks and den building. All activities are reccomended, but you will need to book through the website. They are charged but entry to the forest is free on foot, or 3 pounds per car. read more