Plan your visit

Forestry Operations:

Kielder is a working forest so some paths and trails may be closed from time to time. If do come across an operational or closure notice, it is important that you follow the instructions. Click here for full list of what remains closed or has a diversion in place.

Water Safety:

Unauthorised swimming, diving, water sports, inflatables or just for a quick cool down in Kielder Water is strictly forbidden. Kielder Water is an operational reservoir with dangers including unknown depths, extremely cold water, machinery, and very strong underwater currents, some of which caused by water being pumped from the reservoir through to the water supply chain. Jumping into the water can cause cold water shock, a condition which could kill in less than one minute. Please stay safe. Always keep out of the water and away from its hidden dangers. For further information and advice on water safety, please follow this link: 'Stay Safe: Be aware of hidden dangers around water'.

Fire Safety: 

Kielder is one of the largest forests in the UK so the possible impact of fire is obvious. Please do not light fires, including barbeques and dispose of litter thoughtfully and carefully, especially cigarettes, matches and glass bottles. If you see fire or smoke please call 999 immediately. 

Respect, Protect & Enjoy: 

We encourage everyone to respect, protect and enjoy Kielder by arriving prepared and being aware of the countryside code. There is also useful information within Forestry England's forest code and Covid guidance.

The combination of landscape, views, nature, tranquillity, fresh air and escapism, can grab visitors and turn them into discoverers and explorers. We really want you to enjoy these experiences, but it is important that you consider your abilities and that of your party, and do not push yourself too far.

Be aware of the distance you have travelled, the terrain, surfaces, and weather conditions, and remember that you often must return to where you started. 

Please note that the North shore area of Kielder Water has no services or e-charging stations between Kielder Village and Hawkhope adjacent to Kielder Dam, a distance of approximately 11 miles on the Lakeside Way.

Being a rural location, Kielder may be experiencing or is experiencing different weather to where you are setting off. The vastness of Kielder also means that the weather can be changeable and different across the destination. Some days you may need both waterproofs and sunscreen.

It is also important that you bring the right footwear and clothing for the activity to ensure the best comfort and enjoyment. Kielder is not a 'high heel' and suede shoe location. If you’re not sure, give us a call on 0345 155 0236.

The main visitor centres and activity locations are signed from the C200 road running along the south shore area of Kielder Water.

Please note that Kielder Waterside used to be known as Leaplish Waterside Park and there are still some signs which say the old name, so if you see Leaplish Waterside Park, it is really Kielder Waterside.

The Lakeside Way is well signed along with the main visitor trails and paths in the main activity areas but it is always advisable to be have a map (which can be provided by visitor centres and some accommodation providers) and be aware of landmarks and distances.

The money taken from car parking at Kielder, assists and enables reinvestment in visitor facilities and other aspects such as habitat preservation and protection of species which are important to everyone.

You can park for a full day (up to 3am so you can do a bit of stargazing) for £5. That ticket is transferable, so you pay once to park across the site. If you only want to stay for an hour, it is £2.

Charges apply to all users including Blue Badge holders. Designated bays close to facilities and amenities are provided for Blue Badges.

Tickets are purchased from machines, so you will need coins. You can also purchase online in advance via www.bookwhen.com/car-parking. Please Note: If using Bookwhen, it is important that you print a ticket or proof of purchase and display in your vehicle. Unfortunately, with the rural nature of the destination, some locations do not have the technology to recognise a paperless online payment.

Car Parks are located at:

• Hawkhope, on the north side of Kielder Dam
• Kielder Dam South
• Tower Knowe Visitor Centre
• Kielder Waterside
• Matthew’s Linn
• Bakethin Nature Reserve
• Kielder Castle
• Anglers Arms Rear Car Park (Kielder Village)
• Elf Kirk
• Lower Skyspace

There are also outlying car parks at: 

• Warksburn
• Sidwood
• Blakehopeburnhaugh

Responsible motorhome owners are permitted to park overnights in the car parks at:

• Kielder Castle
• Tower Knowe Visitor Centre (both upper and lower car parks)
• Hawkhope
• Elf Kirk
• Lower Skyspace

The fee is £10 per night payable via the payment machines in each location. Cash payment in coins.

It is possible to pay at Kielder Waterside reception or by credit card at the Kielder Castle machine and move to another motor home overnight location as tickets are transferrable.

• Users are expected to take all their refuse home.
• No fires are permitted.
• Overnight parking is for motor homes only, no tents or other vehicles. Tent campers are encouraged to use the facilities at Kielder Campsite, to the north-west of Kielder Village.

Please note that car parks are regularly checked to ensure payment and adherence to the rules of use.

You are heading into one of England’s most rural locations so make sure you have plenty fuel, or charge, for your trip. When you get to Kielder, there is an unmanned filling station taking card payments only, in Kielder village. It is open 7 days a week, 7:00am to 7:00pm.

The nearest alternative petrol and diesel location is in Bellingham Village (Postcode: NE48 2BS) which is open between 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you drive an electric vehicle, there are charging points at Kielder Waterside near the shop and reception. Please contact the reception on 01434 251 000.

There are also two 7.2kW EV chargers in Bellingham at the rear of the Town Hall in Manchester Square. (what3words ///vowed.quirky.vision). The Type-2 (Mennekes) sockets are part of the Pod-Point Open Charge Network and available for use by any EV driver, including residents and visitors.

The post office is located close (to the left) of the access road to Kielder Castle, shortly after turning off the C200. The opening hours are:

Monday: 9:30am to 3:30pm

Tuesday: 9:30am to 12:30pm

Wednesday: 9:30am to 3:30pm

Thursday: 9:30am to 3:30pm

Friday: 9:30am to 3:30pm

Saturday: 9:30am to 12:30pm

Sunday: Closed

There are no cash machines, or cash back facilities in Kielder. The nearest cash machines are in Bellingham.

There are several paths, including the 26-mile Lakeside Way, that provide good opportunities for the less able or those looking for easy gradients and maintained surfaces in a variety of scenic locations. Call 0345 155 0236 for details.

The visitor centres and facilities at both Tower Knowe and Kielder Waterside are accessible. Kielder Castle is currently undergoing refurbishment but the information centre remains open and accessible.

There are a small number of designated disabled parking bays at the main visitor centres of Tower Knowe, Kielder Waterside and Kielder Castle, but please note that Blue Badge holders are required to purchase a parking ticket.

Accessible toilets can be found at:

• Tower Knowe Visitor Centre
• Kielder Waterside (to the right of the Forest Kitchen and Bar building)
• Two locations at Kielder Castle. The toilets across the roundabout in front of Kielder Castle are open 24/7 and the toilet in the Castle courtyard are open during the day, closing at 5:00pm.

Outside of the main destination, there are seasonal accessible toilet facilities at Blakehopeburnhaugh at the north end of the Kielder Forest Drive which are open from April to September inclusive.

Calvert Kielder has the special goal of promoting integration and inclusivity to enrich the lives of all guests and visitors. With the encouragement of dedicated instructors, and whatever your ability, taking part in Calvert Kielder’s challenging outdoor activities, will help to improve self-confidence and self-belief.

Calvert Kielder offers challenging, exciting and fun activities and a range of accommodation types to suit everyone, in an awe-inspiring environment. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie and want to climb, swing and zip, or relish the tranquillity of a buggy ride through Kielder Forest and sailing on the beautiful Kielder water, they have just what you are looking for.

Calvert Kielder is located on the south shore C200 and signposted. They are delighted to welcome families, groups, organisations and individuals for the day or for a longer stay in ensuite centre bedrooms or a choice of self-catering chalets. Chefs will cater for your dietary needs.

For more information see www.calvertkielder.org.uk

Well behaved dogs and responsible dog owners are welcome at Kielder but please help other visitors have a great visit by keeping your dog under control and ensuring no mess is left.

Dogs can be allowed off the lead in quiet areas of the forest, but make sure you know where they are and can call them back if necessary. They should be kept on a lead in busy public areas such as campsites and visitor centres.

Always keep dogs under close control on the lead when near livestock.

Kielder offers a membership scheme which includes free parking, local discounts and offers. The cost is £40 for one year and includes which equates to £10 per head for a family of four. The money raised from the scheme will help to preserve wildlife habitats and assist the development and improvement of activities and facilities.

For more information and to apply for membership, see:

Kielder Water & Forest Park Membership