Rossmore Forest Park

What You'll Find

Rossmore Forest Park is one of our go-to recommendations for a lovely, budget-friendly day out. It's one of those places that feels far more exciting than a simple walk in the woods, largely thanks to the giant sculptures hidden throughout the trails; finding them all gives children a real mission and keeps them motivated the whole way round.

The large adventure playground is the first thing they'll spot, with plenty of climbing, sliding and swinging before you even reach the trails. The forest and lakeside walks are the main draw for grown-ups, but with so much to look at and play on, children don't even notice they're covering a decent distance. There are picnic areas and loads of open space, so it's easy to spread out and make a proper afternoon of it.

It's free, parking is free, and there are toilets and picnic areas on site, plus a coffee stop that's been reported. The forest is big enough that it never feels crowded, even on a good day.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Exploring the large adventure playground
• ✓Searching for the giant sculptures
• ✓Walking the forest and lakeside trails
• ✓Having a picnic in the woods
• ✓Running around the open space

Before You Visit

It's a big forest, so choose a route that suits the little legs in your group and expect muddy ground after wet weather — wellies are a good idea in winter. There's no café as such, so bring snacks and drinks if you're planning a longer visit.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐The playground alone is worth allowing proper time for — don't rush past it to get to the walks
• ⭐Turn the walk into a sculpture hunt — it gives children a reason to keep going through the forest
• ⭐Bring wellies after wet weather — the trails can get muddy