The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle
Explore Scotland’s Queen Elizabeth Forest Park from The Lodge, a vibrant visitor centre with trails, wildlife, café, and thrilling treetop adventures.
Nestled in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park near Aberfoyle, The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre offers a welcoming gateway to Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes. Open year-round, it features accessible walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities including red squirrels, a café with panoramic views, and adventure activities like Go Ape. With informative exhibits and helpful staff, it’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration.
A brief summary to The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
- Duke's Pass, Stirling, Aberfoyle, FK8 3SX, GB
- +443000676615
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy peaceful wildlife spotting, especially red squirrels, before the centre gets busy.
- Rent a bug bag from the visitor centre for £2 to enhance your forest exploration with binoculars, compass, and identification guides.
- Try the café’s homemade soup and rolls while enjoying panoramic views of the forest.
- Book mobility scooters in advance if you need assistance exploring the accessible Waterfall Trail.
- Consider purchasing a parking season pass if you plan multiple visits to the forest park.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from central Aberfoyle, the visitor centre is approximately a 5-minute drive north on the A821. Parking is available on-site with pay-and-display charges of £1 per hour or £5 for a full day. Season passes can also be purchased. Note that parking may fill during peak times.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Aberfoyle to nearby towns; from Aberfoyle town centre, a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride is required to reach The Lodge. Bus frequency varies seasonally, so check local timetables in advance.
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Cycling
National Cycle Route 7 passes through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, providing a scenic and accessible cycling route to The Lodge. Suitable for most cyclists, the route includes well-maintained paths and signage.
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Walking
From Aberfoyle village centre, a 30- to 40-minute walk along forest paths and minor roads leads to The Lodge. The terrain is mostly gentle but includes some slopes; suitable for most walkers with moderate fitness.
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
A Gateway to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre is located just north of Aberfoyle within the expansive Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Serving as the primary hub for visitors, it provides access to a variety of well-marked trails that cater to all abilities—from gentle half-mile strolls to more challenging four-mile hikes. The centre’s position amidst towering Norway spruce and native woodland offers a serene introduction to the Trossachs’ diverse natural beauty.Wildlife and Scenic Highlights
Visitors can delight in the rare chance to spot red squirrels from the dedicated Red Squirrel Hide, as well as observe ospreys nesting via the wildlife viewing room. The forest is alive with birdsong and the rustle of wildlife, enhanced by live footage of woodland birds feeding inside the centre. Nearby, the gentle Waterfall Trail invites exploration with its tumbling cascades and reflective artworks, creating a sensory forest experience.Facilities and Visitor Services
The centre offers comprehensive amenities including a café with panoramic forest views, serving homemade soups, rolls, and refreshments, complemented by a shop area with snacks and complimentary tea and coffee. Accessible toilets, seating, sheltered areas, and picnic spots enhance visitor comfort. Mobility scooters are available to rent, enabling easier access to the all-abilities trails. Parking operates on a pay-and-display basis, with hourly and daily rates, and season passes are available.Adventure and Educational Opportunities
Beyond tranquil walks, The Lodge is home to Go Ape Aberfoyle, featuring two of the UK’s longest zip lines and treetop adventures that provide exhilarating views of hills, valleys, and Highlands. Ranger-led events, guided walks, and seasonal family activities enrich the visitor experience, offering educational insights into forest ecology and conservation efforts.Community and Event Spaces
The visitor centre includes multifunctional event spaces suitable for meetings, birthday parties, and group functions, accommodating up to 30 people. These spaces provide a private, picturesque setting amid the forest, ideal for gatherings that blend nature with community.Seasonal Access and Practical Information
Open daily with seasonal hours generally from 10:00 to 16:00, The Lodge welcomes visitors throughout the year except on select holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The centre is well connected by National Cycle Route 7 and offers easy access from Aberfoyle. Dogs are welcome in the building except in the café area, and water and sheltered tie-up points are provided outside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
VisitScotland Aberfoyle iCentre
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The Scottish Wool Centre
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Three Lochs Forest Drive
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Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
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Inchmahome Priory
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Lake Of Menteith
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Loch Ard
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Trossachs Pier
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Loch Venachar
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The Highland Cows
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Callander Kirk
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Essential places to dine
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Clachan Inn
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Oak Tree Inn
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Colquhoun's Restaurant
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The Village Rest Luss
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The Gargunnock Inn
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Inchmurrin Restaurant
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Slanj Restaurant
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The Clubhouse at Cameron
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Cù Mara Bistro & Takeaway
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Village Inn
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The Cruin
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Duck Bay Hotel & Restaurant
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Mavi Kitchen & Bar
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Balmaha Village Shop
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Loch Lomond Rocks
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Coach House Coffee Shop and Store
18.0 km
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Luss General Store
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Village Shop
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Scottish Antiques & Arts Centre
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Caulders Garden Centre Loch Lomond
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Braeside Stores
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Buff Club
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Bamboo
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
