woodland

The 120-acre National Trust site near Masham features 18th-century grottos, waterfalls and ruins hidden within ancient woodland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

In North Yorkshire, near the market town of Masham, lies an expansive woodland haven brimming with hidden gems that stretch back to the 18th century.

Hackfall Woods stands as a magnificent 120-acre expanse of ancient forest, attracting visitors with its enchanting atmosphere and stunning views. The Woodland Trust-owned site holds grade 1 listed status, owing to its 18th-century remnants and historic garden features.

Perched on the fringe of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Hackfall nestles within a dramatic and rugged gorge carved by the River Ure.

Following years of neglect and deterioration, the woodland has been carefully restored to its original splendour, now welcoming keen walkers and explorers across Yorkshire.

History

Whilst today Hackfall appears as an untouched wilderness, it was actually carefully crafted to achieve this wild aesthetic by a renowned landscaper in 1731.

John Aislabie bought the estate and, working with his son, reimagined it as a seemingly natural landscape dotted with decorative features for visitors to admire.

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The design was cleverly conceived to showcase the pre-existing panoramas and natural characteristics, amplifying the area’s inherent beauty.

Yet following their considerable efforts, Hackfall endured decades of abandonment and disrepair, before being purchased in 1932 by an owner who stripped the site of its trees. The structures had fallen into disrepair, and flooding had worn away the once-stunning water features.

In 1989, the Woodland Trust stepped in to save the site, securing it on a lease of nearly 1,000 years, with support from organisations including the Hackfall Trust and English Heritage.

Since that time, this magnificent woodland has been formally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, alongside recognition as ancient semi-natural woodland.

It continues to attract visitors from throughout the country, eager to witness the waterfalls, sculptures and historic ruins.

One visitor recounted their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “Hackfall is a beautiful and peaceful woodland brimming with nature, trees, plants, birds, wildlife, streams, ponds, castle ruins, great views on a hillside alongside the River Ure. It’s a super place for peace and quiet, for individuals, for families, suitable for all ages to explore and get away from it all.”

Wildlife

Nature enthusiasts are guaranteed a memorable experience at Hackfall, renowned for the remarkable diversity of species that inhabit the area.

From bird life to flora and insects, the woodland is bursting with biodiversity, and countless sightings have been documented here, particularly by dedicated birdwatchers.

The website showcases an extensive array of creatures visitors might encounter, from kingfishers to dippers, grey wagtails and woodpeckers. Guests can also anticipate spotting stoats, foxes, badgers, butterflies and little lemon slugs.

Access

Given the challenging landscape, featuring numerous steep footpaths, Hackfall is only suitable for those confident navigating steps and inclines, as wheelchair access isn’t available.

The woodland offers up to four entry points, with the two most frequented located at the top of the site and featuring the steepest routes.

To access these, you’ll need to start from the minor road linking Grewelthorpe to Masham. The entrance has no barriers, and as you follow the trail, you’ll quickly discover it’s a gentle gradient with a handful of steps.

Free parking is available nearby at the Woodland Trust car park, situated roughly half a mile before Grewelthorpe Village. Some walkers alternatively opt to park in the village of Masham.

Bear in mind there are no toilet facilities within the woodlands themselves, with the closest public toilets located back in Masham. While this is typical for most woodland rambles, visitors will be delighted to learn that not only are they welcome, but their dogs are too.

IF you love wandering through woodland, spotting wildlife round every corner and then heading back to base to cosy up in a log cabin – this staycay is for you.

There is a hidden network of locations across the country that give Center Parcs vibes but without the price tag.

It’s easy to overlook the amazing forestry centres we have across the UK as only good for a woodland walk and to while away a few hours beneath the trees.

But some offer accommodation options as well, so you can enjoy the forest fun for even longer. 

I was wowed by how much there was to do when I went to visit Rosliston Forestry Centre in the heart of the National Forest on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Within moments of setting off down the tree-lined path, I had spotted six different species of birds and a huge cheeky squirrel hanging upside down from a feeder right in front of a hide where you can get up close to nature without the animals being scared off by your presence. 

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On site, there are loads of facilities that wouldn’t be out of place on an upmarket holiday park, like bike hire, a small soft play for under sevens opposite the cafe and lots of fun play equipment, including a striking sparrowhawk play frame installed last year to replace a much-loved earlier version that was known to all as the Owl.

You’ll also find the real thing here as there’s a birds of prey centre on site which is often open to the public. Over Easter, visitors will be able to hold a bird for £5.

You can visit for the day or for a stay, as lodges for up to 12 guests are tucked away down a little lane, so it’s perfect for a secluded staycation.

And a half-term break for a family of four is only £479 for the week, compared to £2500 for the same seven nights at the nearest Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest.

Every school holidays, there are themed trails and extra activities on offer, so for February half-term, kids can take on a space trail to find all the planets hidden in the trees for £3.

One thing you won’t find here is a subtropical swimming dome, but if you want to recreate that element of a Center Parcs break, you’re spoilt for choice in this part of the world as you’ve got four of the UK’s best waterparks less than an hour’s drive away.

The closest and cheapest is Moorways Sports Village in Derby, where 90 minutes in the waterpark costs £10.25 per person or just £2.10 for three to five-year-olds.

As well as flumes, slides and a wave pool, there’s often an aqua inflatable obstacle course at no extra cost in the school holidays and it’s only half an hour from Rosliston.

Further afield, entry to the waterpark at Alton Towers starts at £18 a person, the Wave in Coventry costs £56 for two adults and two children during school holidays or a family ticket for four at Waterworld in Stoke is £92. They are all about an hour away.

Even if you splash out on a waterpark trip or two, you’ll still be quids in if you choose this Center Parcs alternative for your half-term break. 

And Rosliston isn’t the only Forestry England site where you can stay overnight as well as visit for the day. 

Forest Holidays offer hot tub lodges on 13 sites leased from Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland and Natural Resources Wales.

You can get a midweek stay for a family of four from £860 over February half-term.

Some sites are near the coast and others have outdoor adventures like archery or zipwires. 

Don’t forget to check cashback sites and membership schemes before you book as you may get an upfront discount code or money back after your stay.

Blue Light Card members can get up to £70 off Forest Holidays.

So why not head to the forest this February and be wowed by the wonders of the woodland all around us?

Plus, check out the 9 most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

And travel expert reveal best cheap UK holiday parks with lazy rivers & fairgrounds from £13 a night – and a Center Parcs dupe.