FAQs

When is the site open?

Forest is open all year around for building use and camping. Through the winter months a restricted list of campsites may be available based upon weather conditions.

What time can we arrive?

Sites and buildings will not be available to campers until after 5pm on the day of arrival unless you have specifically booked otherwise. Early arrivals should be requested as soon as possible to allow us to arrange suitable cover with duty wardens.

If you wish to arrive before 5pm on the booked day of arrival, you will be charged the day rate for your total number of people arriving early or £50 (whichever is greater). This includes the delivery of food and other equipment.

What time do we need to depart by?

Camp sites must be vacated by 4pm on the day of departure, and groups departed from site by 4.30pm.

Buildings must be vacated by 3.00pm on the day of departure to give our staff time to service them before new arrivals. Groups must depart from Forest Camp Activity Centre by 4.30pm.

How do we access the site?

Access to the site is along Overdale Lane; there is no access via Kennel Lane. Access along Overdale Lane is constrained and we ask that you keep the number of vehicles visiting the site to a minimum and drive with consideration to our neighbours. This will also enable us to manage the parking on site. 

Can coaches access the site?

Coaches are unable to access Forest Camp. If you wish to use a coach, you must pre-arrange this with us so that suitable arrangements can be made to allow drop off and transfer to and from the site. 

Can I drive to my campsite?

Vehicles can only access the main car park and Begg building car park. No vehicles are allowed further into the site. If you are bringing a trailer of equipment our onsite wardens may be able to tow it to your campsite upon arrival at weekends. If you are arriving on a weekday please give us advanced notice so we can try to arrange staff to facilitate this. Alternatively hand carts are available to use to transport equipment to site. 

Can we bring a dog?

Except for guide dogs and assistance dogs, dogs are not normally allowed on the activity centres. We may make exceptions to this rule during quieter periods on a case by case basis but permission to have dogs on site must be made by the Centre Manager in writing before arrival. Any dogs permitted to be at the centre must be always kept on a lead and cleaned up after. Please see our Terms and conditions for more info.

Whats the difference between campers, day visitors and evening visitors?

Booking fees are based upon the following durations. please see the price list for costs.

• Camping or building accommodation – 24 hours
• Day visit – 12 hours
• Evening visit – 4 hours

What facilities are available?

Both Begg and Lakeview buildings have their own toilet and shower facilities. By our wardens building, campers have access to our main facilities which has multiple showers, toilets and wash facilities, there is also a disabled access toilet and wash room. Campers staying on our Birchwood and Begg campsites have access to a toilet block on the outside of Begg building. Chemical toilets can be used and please speak to the wardens about emptying. Please only use green (bio degradable) elsan.

Do you have a tuck shop on site?

Yes, we have a small tuck shop on site found in the wardens building, which stocks a range of souvenirs such as badges and woggles. Our tuck shop also offers a pick’n’mix variety of sweets and cold drinks. 

Can we arrange a supermarket delivery?

Yes, most supermarkets will deliver to the site but only to the main car park. Wardens may be able to assist taking your shopping to site or please use the hand carts.

What do we do with rubbish and litter?

We want to do all we can to protect our natural surroundings and the wildlife onsite. You can help us do this by putting any rubbish in black bin liners and disposing of these in our large bins, which can be found in our main cark park near the entrance. Please do not burn any rubbish.

Can we book the campfire circle?

The campfire circle is a communal space and not bookable. We suggest you speak to your fellow campers and arrange something together!

Is there fire wood available? Can we have ground fires?

There is plenty of wood available in our designated wood stores. Ground fires are only allowed in the campfire circles and Alter fires are available and must be used on campsites.

Is there any dry shelters?

There is a main dry shelter available for booking on the orchard. Additionally, there is Haven, which serves as a communal space accessible to everyone.

Which activities require instructors?

The following activities require instructors with permits or NGB qualifications. Please check with your governing body to confirm requirements.

• Climbing wall
• Crate stacking
• High all aboard
• Gladiator
• Archery
• Shooting range
• All water activities (see below)

What class water is the round pool?

The round pool is designated class C water by the Scout Association. This means some water activities can be run without a permit, however we recommend a suitably experienced instructor leads the session and the Risk Assessment is completed and approved by your line manager or equiavelent reflecting this.

If we haven't managed to answer your question here, please contact us