DELAMERE Forest has been named among the top UK forests to explore this spring.

As the chilly grip of winter begins to loosen, there’s no better time to step out and discover our local forests with a fresh spring walk. With this in mind, outdoor experts Millets have revealed the best forests to explore in the UK, with one in particular very handily located for Cheshire residents.

The experts compiled a list of the best forests to explore in the UK. The list includes the best places for family-friendly trails, dog walks, picnics and even bike rides.

Delamere Forest is dog friendly, has accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, a picnic area, cycle hire and a café and information point.

Situated on the Cheshire Plain, it also has staple features of many other Forestry England sites, such as great bike trails, Go Ape, Segway riding and Gruffalo trails. Delamere also gives you a chance to holiday right at the heart of the forest.

Other highly rated forest sites included Kielder Forest, Haldon Forest Park and High Lodge.

Kielder Forest can be found on the northern border of Northumberland. Made up of mostly conifer trees it holds the title of largest man-made forest in the UK with a size of 250 square miles.

Visitors can lace up their walking boots and get ready to explore as Kielder offers a variety of walking and hiking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with options for short family-friendly walks or more challenging hikes. Home to Kielder Water, a large reservoir surrounded by stunning landscapes. You can walk around its shore, have a picnic or engage in water activities.

Haldon Forest Park is approximately 15 minutes from Exeter in Devon, it covers almost 1,500 hectares across the Haldon Hills. Containing around half a million trees it’s a large Site of Special Scientific Interest, with plenty of rare animals, such as adders, pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies and European nightjar.

Haldon Forest is a well-known spot for cycling and mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels. It’s even got bike hire and cleaning so switching to two wheels for the day on a whim is always an option.

High Lodge forest can be found in the east of England as part of Thetford forest. Alongside an amazing variety of trees, this forest has everything you’ll need to feel like a real-life Robin Hood!

As well as a Go Ape with an extra demanding course option, High Lodge boasts its own archery range to try once you’re done swinging through the treetop. The lodge has a Gruffalo trail complete with carved wooden statues to find plus, a Zog the Dragon-themed orienteering trail they can try that incorporates augmented reality via an app.

The full research is available to view on the Millets website.