Swinley Forest, Bracknell, Berkshire, England.

Swinley Forest

Swinley Forest is just a 15-20 minute drive from Windsor Great Park and forms part of the wider Windsor Estate.

Covering more than 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres), the forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions, including the ancient Iron Age hillfort, Caesar’s Camp, The Lookout Discovery Centre, Go Ape and, 24kms (14.9 miles) of cycling trails hosted by Swinley Bike Hub.

For more information, visit the dedicated Swinley Forest website, or explore the links below.

Find out more

Please check visitor updates before you travel.

A Forest with a rich history

Swinley Forest became part of Windsor Great Park in 1782 during the reign of King George III and was subsequently placed under the management of the Commissioners of The Crown Estate in 1810.

King George III returning from hunting in Swinley Forest. Royal Collection Trust. (C) King Charles III.

King George III returning from hunting in Swinley Forest. Royal Collection Trust. (C) His majesty King Charles III.

One of the forest’s most significant historical features is Caesar’s Camp, the remains of an Iron Age hillfort located within the conifer woodland south of Bracknell. Covering around 7 hectares (17 acres), the fort is enclosed by a mile-long ditch and remains a remarkable example of prehistoric engineering, having been constructed entirely by hand using simple tools.

Gully beside mounds which make up part on the old hill fort (Caesars Camp) in Swinley Forest, Windlesham, Berkshire, UK.

Gully beside mounds which make up part of the old hill fort (Caesars Camp)

Historically, timber from the forest played an important role in shipbuilding and construction.

Today, Swinley Forest is managed by The Crown Estate under a multi-purpose approach that balances timber production, wildlife conservation and public access, ensuring the forest can be enjoyed by future generations.

This careful stewardship has helped preserve not only the forest’s cultural heritage but also its rich natural environment.

HRH The Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh watches a rugby match.

Timber harvesting, Swinley Forest.

Swinley Forest forms part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA), an internationally important site designated for the conservation of rare ground-nesting birds, including the Dartford warbler, nightjar and woodlark.

A Dartford warbler in heathland.

A colourful Dartford Warbler.

The Forest contains a diverse mosaic of heathland, woodland, wetlands and young plantations that support a wealth of wildlife. Beyond its importance for birds, these habitats provide refuge for specialist wetland flora, dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and other invertebrates, including several nationally scarce species.

As an SPA, Swinley Forest is carefully managed to balance public access and recreation with nature conservation, helping to protect sensitive breeding areas and maintain the ecological integrity of the Thames Basin Heaths.

How to find us

The main car park for the Lookout Discovery Centre, Swinley Bike Hub and Go Ape is located on Nine Mile Ride in Bracknell. See more information below.

B5863 WGP Swinley Map Revised scaled e1784278177886

Swinley Forest car park

Swinley Forest car park is managed by Bracknell Forest Council. Charges apply daily from 7am – 8.30pm (including Bank Holidays).

For more detailed information about parking at Swinley Forest visit The Look Out car park.

Swinley Forest

Satnav code: RG12 7QW

what3words: panel.factories.keeps

Parking charges
Parking durationPrice
First 10 minutesFree
Up to 4 hours£4
Whole day£7
blue badge

Blue Badge parking is free when your Blue Badge is clearly displayed in your vehicle.

No overnight parking

Activities

From thrilling adventures to educational hands-on science exhibitions, Swinley Forest is renowned for its unique range of activity and learning experiences. Its undulating trails are alive with adventurers looking to discover the excitement and natural beauty offered by this 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres), of rolling evergreen forest.

Mountain bike trails

Swinley Forest has 24kms/15 miles of cycling trails, with a variety of trails and intensity that means there is something for every level of experience.

The trails are waymarked with arrows and numbers. Each waymarker has a QR code which links to the trail map and a What3Words location.

When you ride here, you take responsibility for yourself and other users of the Forest. Before you set off, we ask that you follow the guide below and familiarise yourself with the symbols you can expect to find on the network.

B5863 WGP Swinley Bike Map Trailhead

Green Trail

A perfect starting point for those wishing to explore the forest or for those wishing to secure the basic of mountain biking before moving onto the Blue Trail.

Distance:
0.9km/0.5miles
Trail:
Singletrack of gentle descents with a mellow climb
Start/end:
jaws.drape.life
Features:
Banked and flat corners and roller features
Suitability:
Beginners & families with basic bike skills

Blue Trail

A great warm up with 13 unique sections. The trail is completely rollable (obstacles you can cruise over keeping both tires on the ground) and safe for newer riders but also fun for the more experienced.

Distance:
7.3km/4.5miles
Trail:
Singletrack of 13 numbered sections with elevated climbs and descents
Start/end:
renew.save.dark
Features:
Berms, rollers and small table top jumps
Suitability:
Competent cyclists and mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills

Red Trail

Split into two section creating a figure of 8.

Red 1 – 6 are flatter, more natural, group of trails, with 7 – 13 providing more intensity and challenge. You will also find your way to the Clubhouse trail head following the Red trail to marker 10.

Distance:
12.3km/4.5miles
Trail:
Singletrack of 13 numbered sections with elevated climbs and descents
Start/end:
renew.save.dark
Features:
Berms, rollers and small table top jumps
Suitability:
Competent cyclists and mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills
B1507 WGP Courtesy to Staff icon

Please be courteous to our people

Our team manage Windsor Great Park and safeguard the public. Please co-operate with them fully.

The Crown Estate will not tolerate any form of abuse towards our people whilst they are engaged in their duties and will take action with visitors who do not respect their reasonable requests.

Discover more

Discover a landscape shaped by history and home to an abundance of wildlife and rare habitats.

Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park

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