There is plenty to do if you prefer a more active holiday, for out and about information go to the Local places of interest page. At West Hoppyland you choose how much you would like to do, you can take it easy bird watching in the forest, which boasts a vast array of British wild birds in their natural habitat, or on the moorland, riverside and meadows.

Alternatively the lodges are an excellent starting point for many beautiful and varied walks, especially through the forest, why not pack a picnic and take time out to stop at one of the many viewing areas to survey the glorious landscape over lunch? Or take advantage of our drop off service,(we take you to a pre arranged destination, you walk back).

Excellent varieties of fishing is available in well stocked nearby reservoirs and lakes, as well as the rivers Tees and Wear (pictured above)

Cycle hire is available both in Hamsterley Forest and on site, for those who like to take things at a more energetic pace, but be warned - Hamsterley can be very hilly! :-)

An excellent 18 hole golf course is situated at Barnard Castle, and also in nearby Bishop Auckland.

And for a really fun day drop into "Wet'n'Wild" near the Tyne Tunnel, the ultimate swimming fun for the whole family.

For dining out there are many highly reccomended local pubs and resturaunts, both in Hamsterley and in the surrounding villages.