Gosford Forest Park

What You'll Find

Gosford Forest Park is one of my favourite types of family days out, where there's so much more to do than just visit a playground!

Located near Markethill in County Armagh, this beautiful forest park has everything from woodland walks and adventure play areas to cycling trails, a deer park and the impressive Gosford Castle.

You could easily spend a full day here, especially if your wee ones love exploring outdoors.

There are two playgrounds to enjoy, each offering something a little different.

Little Explorers is designed with younger children in mind, with a sand play area, wooden huts and a lovely natural setting surrounded by a willow hedge.

The larger playground is great for children who enjoy a little more adventure, with slides, swings and monkey bars to climb and explore.

But one of the best things about Gosford is the Play Trail!

On our visit, we followed this woodland route, which is just under two miles long and has large wooden play structures hidden throughout the forest.

It's a brilliant way to encourage the children to keep walking, because there's always another play stop waiting around the next corner.

The trail winds through the trees, with opportunities to climb, balance and explore along the way. It's one of the more manageable forest routes if you're bringing a pram, although surfaces can still be uneven or muddy in places.

There are also several other colour-coded walking trails through the park, taking you past beautiful trees, streams, ponds and open parkland.

And don't forget to look out for the deer!

Gosford is home to a herd of red deer, which you can spot in the deer park. It's a lovely little addition to the visit, especially for children who enjoy seeing animals.

If your wee ones love cycling, there's also a pump track and dedicated cycling trails to explore. Just choose a route that suits their age and confidence.

And of course, there's Gosford Castle itself, which makes an impressive backdrop as you explore the grounds. The castle isn't generally open for casual public visits inside, but it's lovely to see from the park.

Between the playgrounds, forest trails, cycling and wildlife, Gosford is a fantastic place to spend a few hours or even the whole day outdoors.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Playing in the sand area and wooden huts at Little Explorers
• ✓Exploring the larger playground with slides, swings and monkey bars
• ✓Discovering the wooden climbing and balancing structures along the Play Trail
• ✓Looking out for the red deer in the deer park
• ✓Bringing their bikes to enjoy the pump track and suitable cycling trails

Before You Visit

Gosford Forest Park is located near Markethill in County Armagh.

The park has two main playgrounds, several marked walking trails, cycling routes and a deer park.

The Play Trail is just under two miles long and is one of the more manageable routes for families with prams, although some forest surfaces may be uneven or muddy after rain.

Not all trails or play structures are suitable for buggies or visitors with limited mobility, so choose your route carefully.

Parking charges may apply, so check current prices before visiting.

If you're bringing bikes, make sure to use the designated cycling areas and choose routes suitable for your children's abilities.

The castle is primarily something to admire from outside rather than an attraction you can freely explore indoors.

Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially if you're planning to explore the woodland trails.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Don't just stop at the playgrounds! I'd definitely recommend following the Play Trail, as the wooden adventure structures make the woodland walk much more exciting for children.
• ⭐Allow plenty of time for the Play Trail. Although it's just under two miles, you'll probably spend longer stopping to climb and explore than you expect!
• ⭐If you're visiting with toddlers, Little Explorers is a lovely place to start, especially with the sand play and wooden huts.
• ⭐Bring the bikes if your children enjoy cycling. The pump track and cycling trails are a great way to add another activity to your day.
• ⭐Keep an eye out for the red deer as you explore, and don't forget to stop for a look at Gosford Castle.
• ⭐Pack a picnic and make a day of it! With two playgrounds, woodland trails and plenty of open space, there's more than enough to keep the family entertained.