National Forest

The National Forest, a forest in the making, offers endless options for places to visit and is an ideal area for family and school visits.

Please visit www.nationalforest.org.uk for a complete listing of what the National Forest has to offer.

The Thrill Hopper ticket is available from reception on arrival and gives you heavily discounted entry to Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Tamworth Snowdome and WaterWorld. Family ticket £119.94 (2 adults and 2 children under 12). Individual ticket £39.99 (over 12s). Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.thrillhopper.com for more information.

Local attractions include:

Conkers – www.visitconkers.com
Indoor and outdoor family visitor centre. Loads of hands on experiences, trails, activities and events.

Rosliston Forestry Centre – www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk
Forest centre offering a large range of activities and events as well as walking and cycle trails.

Calke Abbey – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
One of the National Trust’s most child friendly and fun properties, complete with large country house, walled gardens and nature reserve. Good events programme.

Snibston Discovery Park - www.leics.gov.uk/snibston
A former colliery, this award wining interactive museum has nearly 100 hands-on exhibits as well as mine tours and special events.

National Forest Maize Maze – www.posternhousefarmmaze.co.uk
As well as the fantastic maze, the centre also has activities such as go-karting, llama treks and tractor rides.

Twycross Zoo – www.twycrosszoo.com
One of the UK’s largest, the zoo is famous for its collection of primates and its captive breeding programmes for endangered animals.

Ashby de la Zouch Castle – www.english-heritage.org.uk
Dating from the 12th Century, the famous ruined castle is the backdrop for Sir Walter Scott’s novel Ivinghoe. Events are hosted throughout the year including Medieval Jousting.

Donnington le Heath - www.leics.gov.uk/donington_le_heath
A unique 13th Century Manor House and museum which plays host to an extensive events calendar including re-enactments, hands-on activities and specialist demonstrations.

Moira Furnace – www.moirafurnace.com
One of the best examples of an early 19th century iron blast furnace in Europe. The site includes museums, craft workshops and trails. It is located on the Ashby Canal.

Ashby Canal – www.waterscape.com/Ashby_Canal
Currently running from Conkers Waterside down to Moira Furnace the plan is to connect with the main canal network at Snarestone. The canal offers peaceful walks and boat trips.

For more information about things to see and do in the National Forest contact the Tourist Information Centre in Ashby de la Zouch on 01530 411767.

YHA National Forest eco-features

The building has been designed to have minimum impact on the environment. While it may not be far from obvious to visitors, it is packed with ‘eco-friendly’ features, including:

• A bio-fuel boiler, using sustainable wood chips sourced locally in the Forest.  
• Water heated by solar panels. 
• Roof overhangs creating pleasant shaded veranda spaces, and preventing overheating through the windows.
• Internal shutters that insulate against extremes of heat and cold.
• Vents at the top of the building providing in-built ventilation and removing any need for air-conditioning. 
• Underground tanks holding rain captured for ‘greywater use’ eg flushing the loos!
• Spray taps and showers - no baths - to reduce water consumption.