Lakeside airstreams in Wyre Forest
Campers can hit one of England’s most ecologically important forests via hike, horseback, or kayak.
- Wyre Forest
Popular camping styles for Wyre Forest
Lakeside airstreams in Wyre Forest guide
Overview
Welcome to one of England’s most important spreads of oak wood and its largest forest NNR, set just beyond the western edge of the Midlands’ urban sprawl. Wyre Forest, its tree cover all designated either an NNR or SSSI, is a favourite for woodsy walks, running, gentle cycling, horse riding, and its Go Ape centre treetop ropes course. The best camping can be found along the southern edge, either at Bewdley or just beyond the main entrance. The forest is conveniently positioned for exploration by train too, with Severn Valley’s Bewdley, Northwood Holt, and Arley stations all flanking its eastern edge.
Where to go
Bewdley
Bewdley, hanging off Wyre Forest’s southeast corner, is the nearest community and a long-serving tourist destination on the River Severn. It’s well-known for its riverfront Georgian houses and iconic 1798 bridge designed by Thomas Telford. Several grand country house estates can also be seen while heading south to Stourport-on-Severn. To see the area’s natural beauty, the Severn’s best stretch for canoeing runs between Bridgnorth and Bewdley, and it’s an easy walk on pretty paths into Wyre Forest from town. Bewdley also boasts access to a number of family-friendly campsites and glamping sites.
Visitor Centre & the South Side
The main entrance into Wyre Forest is two miles west of Bewdley. This is the nexus of forest activity with a café, three way-marked walking trails, running trails, cycling routes, and bridleways alongside the visitor centre. The most interesting trail loops north around an arboretum, which hosts the unusual whitty pear among many other species. Camping awaits a short distance along the road from the main forest entrance toward Far Forest.
River Severn & the East Side
The eastern borderlands of the forest are framed by the River Severn, where the best stretch of kayaking on the UK’s longest river beckons, plus the long-distance Severn Way (east bank) and Geopark/North Worcestershire Ways (west bank). There are some excellent riverside campsites perfectly poised for forest forays as well—search for the best spots in the Bewdley area or near Pound Green.
Buttonoak, Earnwood Copse, and the North Side
Wyre Forest’s northern portion is less crowded, and forest-ensconced Buttonoak makes the best all-round base, with a pub and camping at nearby Pound Green. Just northwest of here, the car park at Earnwood Copse serves as a good launch point for hitting the woodsy trails. It’s also the north of the forest that has most of the NNR-designated and most ecologically important forest.
