Holiday rentals in Dalby Forest

With more than 8,000 acres of woodland, walking, and cycle trails to suit all abilities, and adventure-filled play areas with log climbing frames and ropes courses, Dalby Forest is a popular holiday destination. The ancient forest boasts thousands of years of history, which you can still see today, from a Bronze Age burial cairn in the Tabular Hills to glacial valleys and unusual rock formations on the Bridestones Trail. Nestled within the sprawling North York Moors, where birds of prey soar overhead and sheep roam heather moorland, the forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly and rare migratory birds like the nightjar. At the heart of the forest is the visitor centre, where many of the forest’s walking and cycling trails start. Along the miles of scenic paths, you also may be lucky enough to spot badgers and roe deer.

Dalby Forest is also a renowned stargazing location, thanks to its naturally clear skies and low light pollution. The forest is designated a Dark Sky Discovery Site, one of the few places where you can see the wonder of the Milky Way with the naked eye at night, along with thousands of stars all at once.

The most pleasant time to visit is from late spring to summer, when the days are generally mild and sunny for exploring the forest. July and August are the warmest months, but you should still pack a light jacket. In August, the Starfest is put on by the local astronomical society. In winter, you can expect cold temperatures, rain, and occasionally snow. In late November, the Christmas Lights event in Pickering is a festive outing with live music, fairground rides, food, and a tree-lighting ceremony.

Bridestones Trail

An easy three-kilometre walk through the forest from Dalby Forest Drive brings you to the famous Bridestones on Staindale Moor, where you can pick out the top-heavy Pepperpot and the Sentinels — a row of rounded towers that overlook Dove Dale. These imposing sandstone rock formations date back to the Ice Age, and thousands of years of erosion have created the varied collection of shapes and sizes you see today. The walk takes you through secluded woodlands and open countryside with views of the North York Moors along the way.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The village of Pickering is home to one of the UK’s busiest heritage railways. Board a steam or diesel train to chug through 38 kilometres of Yorkshire’s scenic countryside. The train stops at some fascinating stations, including the 1930s-themed Pickering station, which will feel like a step back in time, and Goathland Station, which you may recognize from a blockbuster movie series.

Scarborough

A 30-minute drive away is the seaside town of Scarborough, where visitors have enjoyed beach holidays for generations. The Victorian Rotunda Museum showcases local geology and ancient marine fossils, while the remains of the 12th-century castle and its vast grounds sit in a stunning location on the headland, providing panoramic views of the rugged Yorkshire coastline. You can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch from Scarborough South Bay and then pick up a snack directly from a local company along the promenade.