Name: Grizedale Forest
Rating: 5.0

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, England

1-90 Years

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Description

Grizedale Forest is a scenic woodland in the heart of the Lake District, offering a mix of nature, adventure, and art. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and unique outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages. The forest provides an ideal setting for walking, cycling, and exploring the outdoors.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including forest trails, mountain biking, horse riding, and Go Ape treetop adventures. The forest is also famous as the UK’s first forest for sculpture, with over 50 artworks hidden among the trees by artists like Andy Goldsworthy. With wildlife such as red deer, birds of prey, and scenic viewpoints, it offers both adventure and relaxation. Facilities include a visitor centre, café, playground, and cycle hire options.

Entry to the forest is free, but parking charges apply starting from £2.90 for the first hour, with a maximum of £14 for a full day.

Grizedale Forest offers a unique combination of nature, art, and outdoor activities. It is perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. With its diverse attractions and peaceful surroundings, it provides a memorable and refreshing day out.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Grizedale forest: Grizedale forest in the heart of the Lake District World Heritage Site, offers an unrivalled day out for everyone. Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer! Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. For more of a challenge, test your nerve and swing among the trees on one of our Go Ape courses. Is one day not enough? Extend your forest adventure with a stay at our nearby cottage or at the local family run campsite.
Sculpture: 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.
Wildlife: 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.
Visitor Centre: The Grizedale Visitor Centre serves as the hub for exploring the forest, offering a range of amenities for visitors. The café provides a selection of meals, snacks, and drinks, making it an ideal spot to relax before or after a walk. The gift shop stocks locally made products, books, and maps, while the exhibition space hosts events and displays throughout the year, showcasing the area’s natural and cultural heritage. For families, there is a large wheelchair-accessible playground, and an all-terrain mobility scooter, known as a “tramper,” is available for use on a designated 5km trail.
Trails: Grizedale Forest offers a range of trails for walkers and cyclists, with routes designed for different abilities and preferences. Walkers can choose from short, accessible loops to more challenging hikes that showcase the forest’s natural features, including streams and viewpoints across the Lake District fells. Cyclists can explore seven marked trails, ranging from cross-country routes to downhill tracks.

Facilities

Accessible toilet
All-terrain mobility scooter hire
Assistance dogs welcome
Baby changing facilities
Cafe
Cycle hire
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Information point
Picnic area
Play Area
Shop
Toilets
Visitor Centre

What to see

Activities at Grizedale

Go Ape Zip Trekking at Grizedale
Gruffalo Sculpture at Grizedale
Room on the Broom trail at Grizedale
Walking trails at Grizedale
Art Exhibitions
Children's play area at Grizedale
Cycling and mountain biking trails at Grizedale
Feel good activity bag at Grizedale
Go Ape at Grizedale
Grizedale Campsite
Grizedale Observatory and Planetarium
Grizedale Sculptures
Gruffalo Orienteering at Grizedale Forest
Horse riding at Grizedale
Mushroom cycle trail family orienteering at Grizedale
Orienteering at Grizedale
Picnics at Grizedale
Ridding Wood trail at Grizedale
The Cabin self-catering at Grizedale Forest
Tramper hire and trail at Grizedale Forest

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Contact

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The forest is open daily from dawn till dusk. The Visitor Centre open from 10:00 AM.

Address: Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, England

Post Code: LA22 0QJ

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

From the north (unsuitable for coaches): Follow the A591 to Ambleside, leave Ambleside A593 to Langdale Coniston. Take first left B5286 to Hawkshead. Bypass Hawkshead following B5286 south then take first right at the sign for 'Grizedale'. Follow the road for approximately 2 miles.
From the south (unsuitable for coaches, see below): Exit M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow. Follow A590 past Newby Bridge to Haverthwaite Crossroads. Turn right, following tourist sign to 'Grizedale Forest Park', follow signs for Satterthwaite/Grizedale North.
Coaches to approach from the south: Exit M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 towards Barrow. Follow A590 past Newby Bridge to Haverthwaite Crossroads. Ignore the tourist sign for 'Grizedale Forest Park' and turn right onto the A595 at Greenodd for approximately 1/2 mile. At Penny Bridge turn right for Colton/Oxen Park. Follow this road for approx. 8 miles to Grizedale Forest.

Grizedale main car park and Kennels car park