
Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail
A mystical woodland in Suffolk, famous for its UFO trail and serene natural beauty. Perfect for walks, cycling, and family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mystical woodland in Suffolk, famous for its UFO trail and serene natural beauty. Perfect for walks, cycling, and family fun.
"The forest is beautiful and a fun place for all ages, with great scenery waiting to be explored."

Wear sturdy footwear :athletic_shoe:
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended for a comfortable experience.
Download trail maps :iphone:
While well-signposted, having a digital map can be helpful for navigation and exploring different routes.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Rendlesham UFO Trail
Various points within Rendlesham Forest
Follow the marked path to discover sites linked to the famous 1980 UFO incident. A unique blend of nature and mystery.

Woodland Walks & Nature
Throughout Rendlesham Forest
Explore miles of well-maintained trails, perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying the serene forest environment.

Family Adventure Play Area
Rendlesham Forest Centre
A fantastic spot for children to burn energy with swings, slides, and climbing structures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mystery (and the Mud!)
Timing is Key for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy footwear :athletic_shoe:
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended for a comfortable experience.
Download trail maps :iphone:
While well-signposted, having a digital map can be helpful for navigation and exploring different routes.
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. There are designated picnic areas, and it's a great way to save money.
Respect the graffiti :no_entry:
Some visitors note the UFO landing site has been graffitied. While part of the experience, it's a shame for some.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy footwear :athletic_shoe:
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended for a comfortable experience.
Download trail maps :iphone:
While well-signposted, having a digital map can be helpful for navigation and exploring different routes.
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. There are designated picnic areas, and it's a great way to save money.
Respect the graffiti :no_entry:
Some visitors note the UFO landing site has been graffitied. While part of the experience, it's a shame for some.
Dog-friendly fun :dog:
Many visitors bring their dogs, and the forest is generally welcoming. Keep them on a lead where required.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Rendlesham Forest to be a beautiful and peaceful woodland escape, with the UFO Trail adding a unique element of mystery. While some are disappointed by the lack of overt UFO evidence and note graffiti at key sites, the natural beauty and family-friendly amenities like play areas and walking trails are consistently praised.
"We went there to see one of the most famous UFO landing sites in the United Kingdom, and we end up being very disappointed. However, the beauty of Rendlesham Forrest compensated us exponentially after we took almost two hour long walk deep into its richness. Thank you! 🙏🏼"
Paul Marian Heinrich
"I must say, Rendlesham forest did not disappoint, whilst wandering around the forest we did spot a strange looking craft in a clearing on one of the trails, see photo, it had some unusual markings reminiscent of graffiti often found on abandoned or vacant shop fronts we see.
Fancy coming all that way across the universe, leave your space ship for two seconds, only to come back and find it covered in graffiti, I would imagine the occupants must have been hoping mad, and would quite rightly complain to the local council on the way they have been treated. Apart from that Rendlesham forest is an incredibly beautiful and a fun place for all ages, great scenery and forest just waiting to be explored, clearly the Aliens must have thought so, otherwise they wouldn’t have come all that way. Enjoy."
spiro d'manin
"We did the Phoenix (Pink) route - 3 mls. but my phone measured it as 3.43 mls. Very well sign-posted, no danger of getting lost or taking a wrong turn. Lovely wide, flat trail through the forest - very quiet. Can totally recommend."
Tim P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rendlesham Forest is located in Suffolk, UK. The most common starting point is the Rendlesham Forest Centre Car Park (IP12 3NF), which has pay and display parking. It's accessible by car, and public transport options might require further connections.
Yes, there is a pay and display car park at the Rendlesham Forest Centre. Fees typically apply all day.
Rendlesham Forest has dedicated cycle trails, making it a great destination for cyclists. You can cycle to the forest, and there are also bike hire options nearby.
Public transport options to Rendlesham Forest can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules in advance, as you may need to combine bus travel with a taxi or a longer walk.
The forest offers various marked trails, including the UFO Trail. Using a map app like AllTrails or OS Maps can be very helpful for navigating the different routes and distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Rendlesham Forest itself is free. However, there is a charge for parking at the Forest Centre car park.
The UFO Trail is part of the forest and does not have a separate entrance fee. You only need to pay for parking if you are driving.
Rendlesham Forest is generally open daily from dawn till dusk. The Forest Centre facilities, like the cafe, will have specific operating hours.
While there isn't typically a formal guided tour for the UFO Trail, many visitors create their own experience by following the marked paths and researching the incident beforehand. Some local tour operators might offer specialized tours.
The adventure play areas within Rendlesham Forest are free to use for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The UFO Trail is typically around 6km (approximately 3.7 miles) as a circular route. Some visitors have measured it slightly longer.
The Rendlesham Forest Incident refers to a series of unexplained lights and landed objects reported by US Air Force personnel stationed at RAF Woodbridge in December 1980. It's often called the 'Roswell of the UK'.
The trail guides you through areas associated with the reported landings and sightings. You'll find marked points of interest and information boards, though some sites may show signs of graffiti.
Absolutely! Rendlesham Forest offers extensive walking and cycling trails, play areas for children, picnic spots, and sculptures to discover.
Yes, the UFO Trail is generally considered child-friendly, especially the shorter routes. The forest also has dedicated play areas that kids will love.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the Rendlesham Forest Centre that offers coffee, snacks, and light meals.
Rendlesham Forest has several designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature.
There are pubs and restaurants in the surrounding villages near Rendlesham Forest. Some visitors mention visiting a pub after their forest walk.
The cafe at the Forest Centre typically serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches, and other light refreshments.
The primary place to purchase food and drinks within the forest is the cafe at the Forest Centre. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water if you plan on a longer exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene woodland paths, the adventure playground, and any interesting sculptures. The UFO trail markers themselves can also make for unique photos.
Rendlesham Forest is excellent for nature photography, with diverse flora and fauna. The changing seasons offer different photographic possibilities.
Yes, you can take photos of the areas associated with the UFO incident. Some visitors have captured images of the site, noting the graffiti.
While there aren't designated viewpoints in the traditional sense, many clearings and open spaces within the forest offer good photographic potential.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For nature photography, a zoom lens can be useful for capturing wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👽 UFO Enthusiasts & Paranormal Investigators
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rendlesham Forest Incident: A Brief Overview
Subsequent investigations by military personnel allegedly uncovered evidence of radiation and peculiar indentations in the ground where the object was seen. The incident has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and theories, ranging from extraterrestrial visitation to military experiments.
While the official explanation has varied over the years, the mystery continues to draw enthusiasts and curious visitors to Rendlesham Forest, making the UFO Trail a significant attraction.
Exploring Rendlesham Forest Beyond the UFO Trail
Families will find plenty to keep children entertained, including a popular adventure play area with swings, slides, and climbing frames. There are also numerous sculptures dotted throughout the woods, adding an artistic element to your exploration. The forest is also a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting its ecological significance and natural charm.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a casual stroller, or a family looking for a fun day out, Rendlesham Forest provides a tranquil escape. The diverse trails cater to various fitness levels, and the abundance of wildlife makes it a great spot for nature observation.
Navigating the Trails and Facilities
For those who prefer digital navigation, apps like AllTrails or OS Maps can be invaluable for following the UFO Trail or exploring other routes within the forest. The forest floor can become muddy, especially after rainfall, so wearing appropriate footwear like sturdy walking boots is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.
Beyond the main trails, Rendlesham Forest offers picnic areas for a relaxing meal amidst nature. The forest is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions along for the adventure, though keeping them on a lead is often advised.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit