Tollymore Forest Park is an expansive state forest covering over 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, ranking among the best things to do with kids in Newcastle. Functioning as a premier country park and nature reserve, it offers panoramic mountain vistas, ancient woodland trails, rushing rivers, and iconic stone arches.

Prices start from £0.00 for visitors arriving on foot, while vehicle entry charges start at £5.00 per car. Because park admission is charged on a per-vehicle basis, families can enjoy an affordable day out packed with outdoor adventure.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this forest destination provides an unmatched natural playground for all ages. Children can scramble across stepping stones, explore gothic stone follies, spot wild red squirrels, and walk alongside the Shimna River. It is a brilliant outdoor spot along the County Down coast.

What are the key features for families?

• Interactive Exhibits: Information boards located at the visitor hub detail the native trees, river ecology, and forest wildlife inhabiting the Mourne foothills.
• Educational Day Out: Children can learn about forestry management, tree species including giant sequoias, and historical 18th-century architecture.
• Sensory Play and Nature: Crashing river rapids, pine scents, crunching leaves, and wildlife encounters create an invigorating sensory experience.
• Outdoor Exploration: Miles of marked walking trails, forest paths, and riverbanks offer endless space for hiking, cycling, and family exploration.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

• Shimna River Stepping Stones: A set of large, flat stepping stones crossing the Shimna River, giving kids a thrill as they cross the water safely.
• Gothic Follies and Arches: Distinctive stone structures, including the Clanbrassil Barn, stone arches, and obelisks, that make children feel like they are exploring a fairy-tale castle estate.
• The Hermitage: A stone shelter built into the rocky river cliff face where kids can look down into the swirling river waters below.
• Giant Redwood Trees: Towering Sequoiadendron trees along the Arboretum path that leave children awestruck by their sheer height and spongy bark.
• Red Squirrel Trail: A designated walking route through coniferous woods where patient families can spot native red squirrels leaping through the canopy.

Beyond the Main Attraction

• Castlewellan Forest Park: Located 4 miles north, featuring a world-famous Peace Maze, mountain bike trails, and a large lake.
• Murlough National Nature Reserve: Positioned 3.5 miles east, offering dramatic sand dunes, boardwalk trails, and coastal views.
• Treetop Adventure Golf & Play: Local adventure playgrounds and amusements located along Newcastle's seaside promenade.
• Silent Valley Reservoir: Situated 12 miles south in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, offering scenic walks and engineering history.