Forest fun on a shoestring

Forest fun on a shoestring -10 low-cost family fun ideas this winter

You don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy adventures in the outdoors this winter. Read on to discover 10 low-cost winter activities in the nation's forests for the whole family this season brought to you by "Forestry England" - where will your #ukdayout take you...

1. Take some wintry snaps in your local forest 

The forest is a magical place during the winter months. The glistening blanket of frost, the crunching of leaves beneath your feet and that indescribable scent of winter in the air. Photograph a robin, red berries, frost-covered tree branches or even a steaming cup of hot chocolate by a bench. All you need is your mobile phone and a keen eye for photography...and the kids can join in too! - Find a Forest Near You

2. Celebrate The Gruffalo's 25th birthday

Pull on your wellies and waterproofs and join the party on our interactive family trail celebrating The Gruffalo's 25th birthday.

The trail feature all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and his friends. Activity packs are just £4 and for the whole month of December you can buy one and get another for free. - Find a Gruffalo Trail Near You

3. Unwind on a wellbeing trail

Escape the chaos of Christmas and head out on a wellbeing trail for a mindful stroll through the trees. The themed panels encourage you to pause, notice and connect with the forest environment around you. You can even download the forest wellbeing journal to get more from the experience, whether you’re at home or out in the forest. 

4. Take your dog for the ultimate Forest Walkies

Our canine friends love exploring the forest even in the depths of winter. Join Wallace and Gromit on our new trail, designed especially for man's best friend. Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company. 

Activity packs are available from participating forests for £5 and include a tote bag, activity leaflet and even a bandana for your dog.

5. Download your free Gruffalo Spotters winter activity sheets

Winter doesn't have to stop you getting outside and learning about nature. Download your free activities and enjoy a day of frosty fun in the forest, or at home! - Get Your Gruffalo Pack

6. Enjoy a mini scavenger hunt 

Head out on a mini scavenger hunt and challenge your little (and not so little) ones to explore the forest and find things beginning with W, I, N, T, E and R! What natural treasures will they discover? The possibilities are endless. 

7. Bake some treats for a winter picnic 

Why not spend a couple of hours baking as a family, then pack up the picnic basket and head out for a forest picnic? Perfect for a bright winter day. Don’t forget to pack a blanket to sit on, some extra layers and a flask of hot tea! - Check out the recipes

8. Have a digital detox 

If one of your new year's resolutions is to limit screen time, encourage the kids to have a digital detox by downloading a few of our printable activities. Choose from a fantastic forest word search, some forest-themed colouring in sheets or Tree-Trumps plus loads more! No matter what age or ability, we want to inspire every generation to build a personal and lifelong connection with forests and these activities will allow you to do just that as a family. - Check out the non digital activity packs

9. Treat the family to a steaming cup of hot chocolate 

Head to your local forest cafe and indulge in a hot chocolate complete with cream and marshmallows! It’s a simple, low-cost treat and any younger visitors can let off some steam on a woodland walk whilst you’re there. - plan your visit

10. Try a Gruffalo orienteering course 

Discover new parts of the forest and learn something new with our Gruffalo-themed challenge. 

Use a simple map to find 12 Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood. Answer questions along the way and gain valuable skills in decision making and map reading as you go. 

And if you're feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock. 

Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50. Find a Gruffalo Course Near You

Forestry England is an executive agency, sponsored by the Forestry Commission. Forestry England manages more land and trees than any other organisation in England. They provide hundreds of car parks, maintain thousands of miles of trails, and plant millions of trees.

Help us look after the forests you love - Whether you want to explore all our forests as a national member, or simply want to explore and support your local forest, we have a membership type to suit you. Find Out More

Explore the best of the UK with our comprehensive guide to attractions, boating, cottages, days out, holiday parks, hotels and spa breaks.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an adventurous trip we have everything you need to make your UK holiday unforgettable.

Find out more at The British Holidays Booking Office - Home of the #ukstaycation

Olympic boost to UK tourism

About 22% of the population attended the Olympic torch relay.

And a further 9% plan to visit sites where the torch was paraded, VisitEngland said today.

The tourist body added that around 21% of the adult population intend to take at least one holiday or short break in the UK by the end of this month.

This tourism is likely to generate around £2.3 billion.

But VisitEngland said that around 22% of people are undecided about their summer holiday plans, with 39% of these worried about the financial situation and 28% concerned about the weather.

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "I'm delighted that more than 10 million people are planning to holiday at home this summer.

"If we convert even half of those who are undecided about taking a summer break in England, we could potentially contribute an additional £600 million to the UK economy."

VisitEngland is already looking forward to another big sporting event to be staged in the UK - the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Rugby League World Cup in is taking place in England next year, while England will also host the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

VisitEngland said today: "The impact of these events, particularly the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will benefit generations for years to come."

Looking for a Short Break in the UK let The British Holidays Booking Office help you find your perfect location.

Families priced out of summer day trips.

Children in poor and middle-income families are facing a summer "stuck at home" as they cut back on days out and leisure activities, according a new survey conducted by a leading UK charity.

Family Action says standard activities are increasingly out of the reach of many, with a day out costing £80.

A poll of 2,214 mothers for the charity suggests 54% planned to cut back on trips because of money worries.

The charity is urging "rip off" firms to stop unfair pricing and improve offers for families all year round.

Family Action Chief Executive Helen Dent said: "Families are facing summer on a shoestring with parents and children cooped up at home as a result of falling incomes and rising prices.

"We know that children get a boost from days out - including to their educational development.

"However, this year many parents are so worried that summer day trips will break the bank that they're cutting back."

Food costs
She added that the key findings of her charity's report were that both parents on very low incomes and those in the "squeezed middle" were planning to cut back on days out.

Three-quarters of those polled said the biggest expense for a day out tended to be entry fees.

There were also concerns about the cost of transport and eating out.

Most families polled said they would have at least one family day out but those on the lowest incomes were least likely to do so.

The charity also carried out some more detailed face-to-face research with 40 parents who use its services and children's centres around England.

One parent from Liverpool said: "We looked about going away to do something and looked at the price but at the end of the week we didn't have any money. That's the problem."

Another parent said she could not afford to go anywhere because her children were not getting free school meals during the holidays and her food costs rose as a result.

Ms Dent added: "Whilst those in upper-income groups can still expect that a week's holiday in the UK forms part of a minimum standard of living, the vast majority of the families we support will be lucky to get out of their community for the day."

Looking for a a Great Family Day out in the UK let the British Holidays Booking Office help you find the best deal.