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Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Nestling right in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest offers a full range of activities from gentle walks to swinging through the trees with GoApe, from a leisurely meal in Café Ambio to exhilarating mountain bike trails. Whatever you’re looking for, our friendly visitor staff are happy to help you plan your perfect day.
Explore our eight waymarked walking trails, including the easy-access Ridding Wood trail to the more strenuous Silurian Way taking in the summit of Carron Crag. For those who are less mobile we also have a Tramper available to hire as well as a specially designed route to help open the forest to as many as possible.
For smaller legs there’s always an adventure – check our website for details of our latest trails featuring iconic characters from the magical world of Julia Donaldson!
Cyclists can enjoy the North Face single-track mountain bike trail as well as other routes and miles for forest road, perfect for getting you into the heart of the forest! Bring your own bike or hire for the day at Biketreks Grizedale.
Sculpture in the forest
Did you know that Grizedale is the UK’s first forest for sculpture? Over 50 unique artworks have been scattered throughout the trees. Whether you’re exploring on two wheels, by foot or on horseback keep your eyes peeled for sculptures dotted throughout the forest from some of the country’s leading artists including Andy Goldsworthy, Sally Matthews and Richard Harris. Part of the forest and blending into the trees and natural scenery, be sure to take the time to enjoy these world-class art pieces in a truly unique setting.
Our visitor centre gallery space hosts amazing art exhibitions designed to make you stop, think and consider. Discover current and upcoming exhibitions on our website.
Get back to nature
Grizedale is a haven for wildlife. We’re home to the only remaining indigenous woodland herd of red deer in England as well as roe deer, buzzards, barn owls and red kites. Look out for all the forest wildlife on your walk or bike ride.
The forest is a fantastic place to see butterflies and dragonflies in the summer and its many tarns attract other species to drink including foxes and badgers.
Tramper trail
We work with Outdoor Mobility to provide an experience for as many people as possible here at Grizedale – learn more about the trail and how to book our onsite off road mobility scooter HERE.
* Open every day except Christmas day. Check our website for seasonal opening times.
Gift a year of forest membership at Grizedale this Christmas! Providing free parking for the whole household it’s the perfect opportunity to get back to nature in 2025 and support Forestry England’s work in looking after these special places for the next generation.
Virtual Christmas Market - Alternative Gift Ideas - redeem this special offer between 01/10/2024 and 31/12/2024
More offers like this - Virtual Christmas Market - Alternative Gift Ideas
Gift a year of forest memberships at Grizedale and Whinlatter this Christmas! Providing free parking for the whole household it’s the perfect opportunity to get back to nature in 2025 and support Forestry England’s work in looking after these special places for the next generation.
Virtual Christmas Market - Alternative Gift Ideas - redeem this special offer between 01/10/2024 and 31/12/2024
More offers like this - Virtual Christmas Market - Alternative Gift Ideas
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Grizedale Forest Walking Trails, HawksheadThere are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Grizedale Mountain Biking Trails, HawksheadThe North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre Car Park, HawksheadA Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Public Toilets at Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, HawksheadPublic toilets at Grizedale Forest Visitor centre, open during visitor centre opening hours. A Pay…
Moor Top Car Park, Grizedale, GrizedalePay on Exit. Good for walking and cycling trails through Grizedale.
Bogle Crag Car Park, Grizedale, GrizedaleCar park with 15 spaces. From Grizedale Visitor Centre head south on the minor road to…
High Cross Car Park, Grizedale, GrizedaleCar park with 15 spaces. Good for walking and cycling trails.
Kennels Car Park, Grizedale, GrizedaleNestling right in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest…
Signposted from Hawkshead village. From the south, signed from the A590 at Haverthwaite (this is also the only route for coaches)
Accessible by Public Transport: Windermere station is 10 miles away.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL