Name: Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park
Rating: 5.0

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park

Watermillock, Penrith CA11 0JS, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park an 18th-century pleasure ground, Aira Force was the backdrop for William Wordsworth’s poem ‘Somnambulist’ – a Gothic tale of love and tragedy. There are so many woodland trails to discover in this landscape of contrasts. Quiet glades give way to dramatic waterfalls, with Aira Beck thundering down a 65-foot drop past ferns and rocks.

If you walk to the summit of Gowbarrow, you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Ullswater. Starting your day in Glenridding, arriving at Aira Force by boat then strolling back along the lakeshore, allows you to take in the wonderful Ullswater Valley sights.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Aira Force Waterfall: Eighteenth-century pleasure ground with dramatic 65-foot waterfall and woodland trails, with champion trees and rare red squirrels.
Lakeshore: Lakeshore access to Ullswater at Aira Green and Glencoyne Bay.
Gowbarrow Park: Gowbarrow Park was once home to a large herd of deer, and evidence of old shooting boxes and stalkers huts can still be seen today. The deer have since been replaced by low numbers of hardy, traditional sheep such as Herdwick. Great walking trails including the summit of Gowbarrow fell.
Tea-room: Tea-room serves hot drinks, snacks and ice cream, with seating indoors and outside.
Exploring Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park: Discover Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell, where cascading waterfalls meet ancient woodland. Once a deer park, this dramatic landscape inspired Wordsworth’s poetry. Wander through glades, climb to panoramic views over Ullswater, and enjoy seasonal colour as bracken turns gold and trees reveal their sculptural forms. A perfect fell-top escape.
Family-friendly things to do at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park: Go an outdoor adventure at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park this autumn. Exploring woodland pathways, watching the waterfalls, spotting rare red squirrels and there’s plenty of space for wild play. Find out what's on offer and all the details you need to plan your visit.
Access at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park: We’re working to make Aira Force and Gowbarrow as accessible as possible. While the rugged terrain poses challenges, steps are being taken to ensure everyone can enjoy the site’s history and beauty. Learn more about accessibility and how to plan your visit. Aira Force supports the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.

Facilities

Parking: Main Aira Force Car Park postcode CA11 0JS. Pay for parking with card or cash at the ticket machine or use the parking app. (£6 for 2 hours, £8 for 4 hours, £9.50 all day). National Trust members park for free. Glencoyne Bay* - Postcode CA11 0NQ, OS reference NY386180 High Cascades* - Postcode CA11 0JY, OS reference NY397211 Park Brow* - Postcode CA11 0JY, OS reference NY397206 *£5.50 for 2 hours, £7.50 for 4 hours, £9 all day, National Trust members park for free.
Food & Drinks: Tea room serving drinks, snacks and ice cream with indoor and outdoor seating. Takeaway available. Drinking water taps around the car park and tea-room for people to refill drinking bottles.
Toilet: Small toilet block in the main Aira Force car park (including an accessible toilet). Portaloos provided in summer when site is busy, situated next to permanent toilets. Next closest public toilets situated in Glenridding village (3 miles south on the A592.)
Dogs allowed: Dogs on leads welcome. Due to the wildlife, surrounding livestock and the experience of all our visitors, dogs must remain on leads at all times during your visit.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Dawn - Dusk
Aira Force car park: Dawn - Dusk
Tea-room: 10:00 - 15:00

Address: Watermillock, Penrith CA11 0JS, UK

Post Code: CA11 0JS

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

By bus: Stagecoach bus service 508 from Penrith takes about 30mins. 509 runs on Saturday & Sunday from Keswick - Penrith, get off at Aira Force Park Brow stop. UB1 Ullswater Hopper connects holiday accommodation in the valley with Aira Force and Ullswater Steamers. Runs on weekends and bank holidays until 2 November, daily service between 25 – 30 May and 30 June - 29 August. Bus 509 connects Keswick – Aira Force - Glenridding – Patterdale – Pooley Bridge – Penrith. Runs on weekends and bank holidays until 2 November.
By train: Penrith 10 miles.
On foot: From Glenridding (3 miles) or Glencoyne Bay (1.5 miles), follow the low-level, off-road footpath to Aira Force. From Pooley Bridge, a more challenging 6.5 mile walk over undulating, mixed-terrain footpaths (map recommended.) The Ullswater Way includes the above trails, details and maps can be found here. The Coast to Coast long distance footpath passes through the Ullswater Valley as it cuts across the country running from St Bees in the north west to Robin Hood's Bay in the north east. The Cumbria Way passes within 4 miles, with footpaths which link to Ullswater.
By road: Approach the valley via Windermere and Bowness (A592) and Ambleside (The Struggle) for a scenic drive down the steep windy Kirkstone Pass. Alternatively access the valley from Junction 40 of the M6, or from Keswick/Penrith on the A66.
Parking: Main Aira Force Car Park postcode CA11 0JS. Pay for parking with card or cash at the ticket machine or use the parking app. (£6 for 2 hours, £8 for 4 hours, £9.50 all day). National Trust members park for free. Glencoyne Bay* - Postcode CA11 0NQ, OS reference NY386180 High Cascades* - Postcode CA11 0JY, OS reference NY397211 Park Brow* - Postcode CA11 0JY, OS reference NY397206 *£5.50 for 2 hours, £7.50 for 4 hours, £9 all day, National Trust members park for free.