Outdoor activities
Adventure play area
Our fantastic adventure play area features the infant play trail which is suitable for younger children aged between 3 and 6 years old. The play area for older children aged 7 to 11 years old has a magnificent fort as its centrepiece. Our all-ability play area is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible. The tables and seating, which surround the area, are perfect for picnicking in fine weather.
Walks and trails
Situated in more than 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland, The Look Out Discovery Centre is the perfect starting point for a wide variety of walks and trails suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities.
The following trail guides are available from The Look Out reception area. They include a planned route with information and activities for along the way.
- Family Discoverer's Trail
Discover forest treasures with this nature trail for 8-12 years olds.
Price: £1.50 - Family Explorer's Trail
Discover the magic of the forest with this nature trail for 4-7 year olds.
Price: £1.50
Dogs are permitted in the forest under the supervision of their owners.
Orienteering
We have an orienteering course available for only £1 per course. The course starts and finishes at The Look Out with three suggested courses of 2.5km, 4.3km - or 6.9km for the most adventurous! Please ask at reception for the orienteering map and course information.
Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire is available at The Look Out courtesy of Wellington Trek. From here both novice and experienced bike riders will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding woodland. Day permits and maps are available from The Look Out for cycling in Swinley Forest. Cycling permits are required for adults only and cost £2 per day.
Bike hire is available every weekend and bank holiday and Bracknell Forest school holidays from February to October. Please note that it is closed from the end of October until the February school holiday. Availability of this service may be weather dependant. Please see the Wellington Trek website for further information.
Go Ape!
The UK’s No.1 Forest Adventure.
There’s a tree top adventure to enjoy - take to the trees and speed down zip slides, part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings all set high above the forest floor.
You can also enjoy forest segway, experience on two wheels - get off-road and explore the great outdoors on the latest all-terrain segways.
Go Ape! is open from February to November, please check the Go Ape! website for details.
Car parking
The charge for car parking is £2 per visit for up to four hours. Visitors who pay on the day to use the science exhibition at The Look Out Discovery Centre will receive a £2 discount from their entry price if they bring their parking ticket stub to reception at the time of purchasing their tickets. You can also buy an annual permit, which will cost £60 for Bracknell Forest residents and £100 for non-residents. Find out more.
There are pay and display machines in the car park.
Annual car park permits can be purchased at The Look Out in person between 10am and 5pm. Please note the documentary evidence required for Bracknell Forest residents. Application forms are also available at The Look Out.
