One of the largest forests in the country is situated right here in the North East and has now been named one of the most beautiful in the UK.

Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland was praised for being a “haven for wildlife” and a destination for those wanting to spend time outdoors, whether cycling in the day or stargazing at night.

The forest was featured in the “27 Most Beautiful Forests In The UK You Need To Visit” list by Pebble magazine.

The publisher commented: “The total number of forests in the UK makes up an estimated 3.25 million hectares. They’re vital habitats for plants and wildlife, help sequester carbon and give us the air we breathe.

@nland250 Aurora lighting up the night sky over Kielder Forest 🎥 Daniel Monk #northumberland250 #northumberland #northumberlandnationalpark #kielderforest #kielderobservatory #darkskies #astrophotography #northernlights #auroraborealis ♬ Interstellar (Main Theme) - Random Piano

“A walk in the woods also benefits our mental and physical health.

“It invites us to slow down, revel in their beauty and find a greater appreciation for nature.”

Why is Kielder Water & Forest Park among the most beautiful in the UK?

Not only is Kielder Forest one of the largest forests in England but it is home to Kielder Water, “the biggest reservoir in Northern Europe,” writes Pebble magazine.

“Although it’s a man-made forestry plantation, Kielder Forest has become a haven for wildlife and a destination for those seeking to cycle, walk and spend time outdoors. At night, stargazers are treated to the darkest skies in England.

“The forest is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including a growing population of ospreys. Experts at Kielder Forest are actively monitoring and attempting to re-establish the population of ospreys.

The Northern Echo: Have you discovered something beautiful about Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland?Have you discovered something beautiful about Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland? (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Ospreys are not the only thriving species at Kielder Forest. It’s also a habitat for otters, frogs, salmon, roe deer and red squirrels.

“You’ll also find unusual visual art installations among the trees, including the award-winning ‘Kielder Belvedere’ by Softroom Architects.”

12 most beautiful forests in England

In England alone, these are the 12 best forests, according to Pebble magazine.

  1. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent
  2. Wyre Forest, Worcestershire & Shropshire
  3. Thetford Forest, Norfolk & Suffolk
  4. Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
  5. New Forest National Park, Hampshire
  6. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
  7. Ashdown Forest, Sussex
  8. Hainault Forest, Essex
  9. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
  10. Forest Of Dean, Gloucestershire
  11. Epping Forest, Essex and London
  12. Wye Valley Forest Area, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Monmouthshire

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On Tripadvisor, someone who visited Kielder Water & Forest Park with their family posted this review: “This place is amazing, the walks/cycles are stunning.

“The forest rangers have worked so hard and made the paths so good.

“Cycling for my boy was a breeze, he completed the whole route in 1 day!”

Another added: “Beautiful area to walk in. Lucky to see an Osprey plus an adder and a few lizard. Lots of other birds about but alas no red squirrels.”