Walesby Forest
Walesby Forest
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Walesby Forest is a large International Outdoor Educational Activity Centre, which offers ideal accommodation for groups in a variety of buildings or camping in its extensive forest woodlands and two hundred and fifty acres of natural forest.
We are a not for profit organisation which has been inspiring and educating children for the last 75 years.
We offer a range of educational and adventure activity programmes for Schools and Groups, Scouts & Guides and Summer Camps for unaccompanied children , Children's Parties, outdoor activity days and much more.........
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Restaurants
28 within 3 miles
Attractions
30 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
42 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
11
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
4
mrsboogles
Nottingham27 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We camped for 3 nights with the kids. The weather was incredibly hot which made tent life unpleasant and also led to a bbq ban for safety which is totally understandable as the ground was very dry.
Big 15m x 15m pitches with electric hook up. The hook up pitches are in the middle of the field which meant we got very little shade. Toilet and shower block nearby which was kept in good condition and cleaned daily. On our first day I noticed all the toilets were slow to drain. I reported this and within an hour or so there was a tanker clearing the drains, so a good fast response.
There is a small shop on site for ice creams etc and a pub type set up which does basic pub food at fair prices.
Wasps were an irritation both at the tent and at the pub but none of us got stung.
Great programme of activities which are listed on the Walesby website with the timetable. It's around £17 per person for a full day but you can also get a half day pass for less money. I feel Walesby are missing a trick by not advertising the activities well or putting more photos online. Our kids tried climbing, air rifles, archery, cave maze, laser tag, canoeing, kayaking and bodyboarding which is effectively whizzing down a flume head first into the lake. Lake activities are about a mile walk to the top of the site but you can drive and park up there with no issues.
There were a couple of day groups of army cadets on the days we were there which didn't affect us. I imagine if you're there the same time as a large scout group it might be hard to get a go on everything.
The activities staff were young and enthusiastic, taking time to engage with the kids. They seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs.
We advised the kids to try not to drink the lake water and gave them full fat coke after their session. Unfortunately within 36 hrs both had a vomiting episode. Whether this was linked to the lake water (or pool water) I can't say. My husband and I both used the pool but didn't go in the lake and we have not been affected. It may be completely unrelated to the activities and simply be a bug or too much sun / ice cream / disco dancing. It would not stop me from returning.
Overall we were really impressed with the site and what it had to offer and would happily return. couple of things which would improve the showers would be the option of larger family cubicles, a squeegee mop the wipe the muddy water away after showers, and temp control showers - they were pretty hot for a heatwave.
Overall recommended.
Big 15m x 15m pitches with electric hook up. The hook up pitches are in the middle of the field which meant we got very little shade. Toilet and shower block nearby which was kept in good condition and cleaned daily. On our first day I noticed all the toilets were slow to drain. I reported this and within an hour or so there was a tanker clearing the drains, so a good fast response.
There is a small shop on site for ice creams etc and a pub type set up which does basic pub food at fair prices.
Wasps were an irritation both at the tent and at the pub but none of us got stung.
Great programme of activities which are listed on the Walesby website with the timetable. It's around £17 per person for a full day but you can also get a half day pass for less money. I feel Walesby are missing a trick by not advertising the activities well or putting more photos online. Our kids tried climbing, air rifles, archery, cave maze, laser tag, canoeing, kayaking and bodyboarding which is effectively whizzing down a flume head first into the lake. Lake activities are about a mile walk to the top of the site but you can drive and park up there with no issues.
There were a couple of day groups of army cadets on the days we were there which didn't affect us. I imagine if you're there the same time as a large scout group it might be hard to get a go on everything.
The activities staff were young and enthusiastic, taking time to engage with the kids. They seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs.
We advised the kids to try not to drink the lake water and gave them full fat coke after their session. Unfortunately within 36 hrs both had a vomiting episode. Whether this was linked to the lake water (or pool water) I can't say. My husband and I both used the pool but didn't go in the lake and we have not been affected. It may be completely unrelated to the activities and simply be a bug or too much sun / ice cream / disco dancing. It would not stop me from returning.
Overall we were really impressed with the site and what it had to offer and would happily return. couple of things which would improve the showers would be the option of larger family cubicles, a squeegee mop the wipe the muddy water away after showers, and temp control showers - they were pretty hot for a heatwave.
Overall recommended.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice C
Huddersfield, England, United Kingdom51 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I camped here for 3 nights over half term with my 10 and 13 years olds. Very, very well organised! Loads of space, excellent toilet/shower facilities that were very clean. I left thinking that maybe the Scout Association should be put in charge of the country for a while!! (🤣).
The activities were very well organised but it’s worth noting that (during school holidays at least), everything is a 15 min or so long “taster session”. You can “queue and do” as often as you like, but this is not the place to come for in depth coaching or skill development (nor does it purport to be).
Great swimming pool though! I stayed in until all activities were closed by a thunderstorm. It’s not heated, but was still around 19 at the end of the most wet/miserable May I can remember! Warm enough as long as you keep moving.
There is a shop on site, stocked with souvenirs, camping spares, lots of sweets and drinks, toiletries and some very basic groceries. Unfortunately they don’t sell fresh milk, and there are no facilities to freeze ice blocks on site. There is a big Tesco 2 miles away though. (The camp shop does sell UHT milk).
The bar has a decent selection of drinks and bar meals, and service was quick and friendly. The vegan lasagna was delicious!
It’s a large, enclosed, safe site. I’ll visit again, with my children and their friends. Great opportunity to turn off phones for a few days (I deliberately booked a pitch without EHU).
The activities were very well organised but it’s worth noting that (during school holidays at least), everything is a 15 min or so long “taster session”. You can “queue and do” as often as you like, but this is not the place to come for in depth coaching or skill development (nor does it purport to be).
Great swimming pool though! I stayed in until all activities were closed by a thunderstorm. It’s not heated, but was still around 19 at the end of the most wet/miserable May I can remember! Warm enough as long as you keep moving.
There is a shop on site, stocked with souvenirs, camping spares, lots of sweets and drinks, toiletries and some very basic groceries. Unfortunately they don’t sell fresh milk, and there are no facilities to freeze ice blocks on site. There is a big Tesco 2 miles away though. (The camp shop does sell UHT milk).
The bar has a decent selection of drinks and bar meals, and service was quick and friendly. The vegan lasagna was delicious!
It’s a large, enclosed, safe site. I’ll visit again, with my children and their friends. Great opportunity to turn off phones for a few days (I deliberately booked a pitch without EHU).
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_sharonannesmart
Nottingham, UK8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Business
Fabulous residential with Yr 6 children. Great range of activities. The lake area is amazing with canoes, body board fun etc. Fabulous staff ( shout out for Beth, Clayton and Jaffa) well trained and very motivating and inclusive with the children. Lodges clean and surrounding grounds well cared for and attractive. Good meals provided in a very well run and organised dining hall by hardworking and friendly kitchen staff ( thanks Vicky for the amazing rhubarb and apple crumble)
Would highly recommend for school trips but also available for family day outings.
Would highly recommend for school trips but also available for family day outings.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarah w
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
Excellent family weekend away. Special shout out to the staff Katie, Tom, madi and Charlie for an entertaining campfire with jelly fish and mangos, and a disco with fabulous dancing, great outdoor activities with Katie at the lake, Madi teaching top tomahawk skills with girls clearly being the ones to beat, and Tom and Charlie making us feel safe and in capable hands while absailing. Would recommend a visit to a friendly welcoming place with plenty to do for families who like outdoor fun and adventure.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenna P
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Staff nice and friendly. Beautiful scenery.
There is plenty to do for the Children and pitches have loads of space. £15 for actives is such good value for money. The only thing I would say is that the showers & toilets could have been cleaner and stocked better with toilet roll etc. Also, dog friendly pitches are on one field which is quite far away from the toilets, especially at the night (we were thankful for the bushes). During our visit the campfire was closed because of the unpredictable weather which left us a bit disappointed, that being said it isn’t prohibited to have your own campfire so we did this instead.
Also, Our tent was swarmed by hundreds of flying ants we almost had to sleep in the car until another camper advised us on how to get rid of them (bit of water and fairy liquid did the trick). Again, this can’t be helped, all part of nature.
There is a shop and a bar on site too, shop isn’t very well stocked but great for essentials. Both the bar and shop are very fairly priced. The bar serves food. It 2 meals for £12 and offers light bites (£1.50 each) the portions are decent and fresh.
All in all a fabulous stay; will definitely return. Thank you walesby forest. We have made memories that will last a lifetime 💕
There is plenty to do for the Children and pitches have loads of space. £15 for actives is such good value for money. The only thing I would say is that the showers & toilets could have been cleaner and stocked better with toilet roll etc. Also, dog friendly pitches are on one field which is quite far away from the toilets, especially at the night (we were thankful for the bushes). During our visit the campfire was closed because of the unpredictable weather which left us a bit disappointed, that being said it isn’t prohibited to have your own campfire so we did this instead.
Also, Our tent was swarmed by hundreds of flying ants we almost had to sleep in the car until another camper advised us on how to get rid of them (bit of water and fairy liquid did the trick). Again, this can’t be helped, all part of nature.
There is a shop and a bar on site too, shop isn’t very well stocked but great for essentials. Both the bar and shop are very fairly priced. The bar serves food. It 2 meals for £12 and offers light bites (£1.50 each) the portions are decent and fresh.
All in all a fabulous stay; will definitely return. Thank you walesby forest. We have made memories that will last a lifetime 💕
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ant D
Nottingham, UK9 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This is our second time here in 2 months. Came for a week this time with young family and friends. Massive campsite with bags of space between campers. Electric hook up availabley.
Limited shop, sells essentials, didn’t go in the bar but is missing a trick by not offering nice coffees etc in the morning.
The toilets were a bit of a walk, whilst simple, there was always plenty of hot water and space.
The swimming pool is great in the afternoons, it’s not heated but you don’t notice it after a few minutes.
There are activities available daily, £15 pp, and plenty of them for over 5s. We did orienteering for free as well as seeing the Major Oak which is only 5min drive away. There is plenty of space to just explore and for kids to play.
It is a scout camp and we were next to a group of cubs/scouts, however, they were no bother at all.
This is a great campsite, not for everyone but we love it and are looking to come back later in the summer.
Limited shop, sells essentials, didn’t go in the bar but is missing a trick by not offering nice coffees etc in the morning.
The toilets were a bit of a walk, whilst simple, there was always plenty of hot water and space.
The swimming pool is great in the afternoons, it’s not heated but you don’t notice it after a few minutes.
There are activities available daily, £15 pp, and plenty of them for over 5s. We did orienteering for free as well as seeing the Major Oak which is only 5min drive away. There is plenty of space to just explore and for kids to play.
It is a scout camp and we were next to a group of cubs/scouts, however, they were no bother at all.
This is a great campsite, not for everyone but we love it and are looking to come back later in the summer.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel L
Stockport, UK39 contributions
May 2022 • Family
76 of us from our scout group attended this site last weekend for our first Group Scout Camp in 4 years and we had a great time.
In our group we had Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorer Scouts - young people aged between 6 - 16 - and everyone enjoyed the activities and the camping.
The young staff were very friendly and helpful, and having the use of a huge marquee tent with a kitchen setup inside and seating for us all meant that even when it rained all of us could eat together under cover with plenty of space.
In our group we had Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorer Scouts - young people aged between 6 - 16 - and everyone enjoyed the activities and the camping.
The young staff were very friendly and helpful, and having the use of a huge marquee tent with a kitchen setup inside and seating for us all meant that even when it rained all of us could eat together under cover with plenty of space.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BBMO2
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Great size pitch but let down by the facilities. Toilet block had no lights, no bins for paper hand towels or sanitary bins. Shower block felt grubby and smelly, with not enough space to keep your things dry in the shower.
Wasps were a nightmare but hardly the campsites fault.
Activities were good but based towards younger kids rather than adults too although we joined in and had a good time. Maybe adding in a more challenging level to the activities would be good. Staff were really nice and helpful.
Great choice of food in the bar for both veggie and omnis. Shop full of gifts, sweets and drinks. Basic groceries, UHT milk, sauces, beans etc
Wasps were a nightmare but hardly the campsites fault.
Activities were good but based towards younger kids rather than adults too although we joined in and had a good time. Maybe adding in a more challenging level to the activities would be good. Staff were really nice and helpful.
Great choice of food in the bar for both veggie and omnis. Shop full of gifts, sweets and drinks. Basic groceries, UHT milk, sauces, beans etc
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angela m
3 contributions
Apr 2023
We stayed one week here in April and had an amazing time. Beautiful peaceful location, kids were occupied with all the activities and things to do in the local area. Staff were amazing and went the extra mile. We were glad we took bikes as plenty of cycle tracks nearby. Excellent food at the Carpenters arms up the road…we will be back
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shev-uk
Worksop, UK10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Business
Hi
Just wanted to say a massive thank you.
my colleagus and I really enjoyed our overnight stay on the 12th.
The activities and facilities were first class.
I big shout out to Katie (aka Beth lol) our host for the day. She did an amazing job and the staff were first class
I am now making plans to re visit with the family
Thanks Again
Paul Shevlin
Just wanted to say a massive thank you.
my colleagus and I really enjoyed our overnight stay on the 12th.
The activities and facilities were first class.
I big shout out to Katie (aka Beth lol) our host for the day. She did an amazing job and the staff were first class
I am now making plans to re visit with the family
Thanks Again
Paul Shevlin
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Walesby Forest (Newark-on-Trent) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Walesby Forest
- Walesby Forest is open:
- Mon - Mon 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tue - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Walesby Forest:
- (1.58 mi) The Sherwood Hideaway
- (1.92 mi) Maun River Cottage
- (3.93 mi) The Dovecote Inn
- (7.30 mi) Bridleways Guest House & Holiday Homes
- (3.34 mi) The Forest Lodge Hotel
- Restaurants near Walesby Forest:
- (0.72 mi) The Carpenters Arms Italian Kitchen
- (3.38 mi) Smoke&Ice (Edwinstowe)
- (3.82 mi) Markham Moor Inn
- (4.27 mi) The Hay Barn Cafe
- (1.93 mi) Bella Vita
- Attractions near Walesby Forest:
- (2.76 mi) The National Holocaust Centre and Museum
- (3.46 mi) Skirmish Paintball Games Nottingham
- (4.43 mi) Gamston Flying School
- (3.56 mi) Go Ape Sherwood
- (9.13 mi) Derbyshire Pony Trekking