Cardinham Woods Offers Free Family Activities This Spring

Spring Fun Near Bodmin: These Cardinham Woods Activities Are Free

Families looking for something to do during the upcoming school holidays may find plenty to explore at Cardinham Woods, just ten minutes from Bodmin.

With a mix of walking, cycling and nature activities, many of the experiences available at the woodland site can be enjoyed free of charge, although parking charges apply.

A magical trail for younger visitors

One of the paid activities on offer this spring is the Room on the Broom family adventure trail, where children can help Witch find her missing hat, bow and wand while collecting spell ingredients along the way.

A trail pack is available from the Ranger’s Hut for £4 and includes extra activities and items designed to keep children entertained. The Ranger’s Hut is open Sunday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3.00pm during the school holidays.

Families can find more details on the Room on the Broom family adventure trail page.

Cycling routes for all abilities

📷09.10.22. Forestry England. Cardinham Woods, Cornwall. Riders: Mollie Leverton, Hannah Mason, Peter Richardson.

PIC © Andy Lloyd www.andylloyd.photography

Cyclists of all experience levels can explore the woodland’s off-road trails.

Beginners can try the Lady Vale route beside the forest stream, which is described as suitable for balance bikes and novice riders.

More experienced riders may prefer the Bodmin Beast trail, which features singletrack sections and optional red-grade routes.

More information about the cycling routes is available on the cycling and mountain biking trails page.

Walking trails through woodland and history

Cardinham Woods offers five surfaced, waymarked walking routes designed for a range of abilities.

The Lady Vale Trail is pushchair friendly and features characters from The Gruffalo along the route.

For those looking for a more challenging walk, the Wheal Glyn Walk takes visitors up valley slopes and past a former mine, offering a glimpse of Cornish history.

Further details can be found on the walking trails page.

Hands-on forest learning

📷(Photo shoot 0814-008) A family enjoy a Forestry Activity Bag whilst on a visit to Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire.

Families who want to learn more about the woodland can hire a Forest Activity Bag for £5.

The bag includes activities that encourage children to spot wildlife, discover woodland features and complete a forest quiz. Forestry England says the activities can provide up to four hours of exploration, and each child receives a goody bag.

More information is available on the Forest Activity Bag page.

Spot wildlife in the forest

📷(Photo shoot 0814-008) A family enjoy a Forestry Activity Bag whilst on a visit to Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire.

Visitors can also download a free wildlife spotter sheet to turn a walk in the woods into a wildlife tracking adventure.

The forest is home to a range of animals, from minibeasts to roe deer, and spring is described as a good time to look out for them.

The activity sheet can be downloaded from Forestry England’s wildlife spotter guide.

Open every day

Cardinham Woods is open seven days a week and offers walking trails, off-road cycling routes, play areas, mobility hire, a dog-friendly café and picnic spots.

Entry to the forest is free, with parking charges applying. Forestry England members can park for free.

Visitors can plan their day out on the Cardinham Woods page.

📷(Photo shoot 0814-008) A family enjoy a Forestry Activity Bag whilst on a visit to Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire.