Name: Whinlatter Forest
Rating: 5.0

Whinlatter Forest

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Whinlatter Forest is England’s only true mountain forest, located in the heart of the Lake District. It offers stunning views, outdoor adventures and a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers, families and adventure seekers.

Visitors can enjoy walking trails, running routes, mountain biking trails, cycling, horse riding, orienteering, parkrun events and picnic areas. Family-friendly attractions include the WildPlay trail, Gruffalo sculptures and themed trails, while other activities include alpaca walks, bushcraft, foraging, forest bathing and adventure experiences like Go Ape. Facilities include a visitor centre, forest shop, Café Ambio, bike hire, mobility scooter hire and access to stunning viewpoints across Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater.

Parking costs £2.70 for the first hour, £0.65 per additional 15 minutes, with a maximum daily charge of £12, while entry is free for those arriving by public transport or bike. Children’s forest parties are also available at £10 per child (minimum 10 children), excluding food.

Whinlatter Forest offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. With its wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking views, it is suitable for both thrill-seekers and families. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the Lake District in a fun and active way.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all! Start your adventure at the visitor centre where our friendly staff will be happy to help with information and ideas to help plan your day.
Enjoy some retail therapy in the forest shop or sample the home-made food at Café Ambio, gazing out over the balcony at the stunning woodland views and birdlife. For younger visitors, the WildPlay trail is a fantastic 600m long trail. Scale the giant timber climbing frame, fly through the air on the log swing or try your hand at Archimedes screw to move water uphill.
Lovers of the magical worlds of Julia Donaldson can enjoy spotting our Gruffalo sculptures throughout the forest and our themed activity trails. The forest is home to a varied events programme including bushcraft, foraging, forest bathing, alpaca walks and more. Whinlatter is the place to be for walking, with miles of waymarked trails starting near the centre.
There are suitable walks for people of all abilities, taking in spectacular views across the fells and forests. For those who are less mobile we also have an off-road mobility scooter available to hire as well as a specially designed route to open the forest to as many as possible. Are you a keen trail runner or fancy giving this growing sport a go?
With miles of forest trails to enjoy, we’ve a route for everyone. Dip your toe in the water with our 2.5km route or stretch your legs along the half marathon trail. Don’t miss out on our weekly parkrun every Saturday morning – one of the hilliest in the UK - and if you've never tried orienteering, Whinlatter's permanent courses are the perfect place to start.
The forest also offers excellent mountain biking. Experienced riders can head out on the Red North and South loops, and the blue-graded Quercus route offers an introduction to singletrack riding as you explore between the trees. Bring your own bike or hire one from our onsite partners at Cyclewise Whinlatter, why not try out an e-bike and explore even further?

Events at Whinlatter

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: Whether you fancy a hot drink to start your visit, a warming meal or snack after your walk or ride or even a Sunday dinner then Cafe Ambio is the place to be! With a wide range of mouth-watering dishes, a warm and welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff who are always happy to help be sure to pop in next time you visit.

What to see

Activities at Whinlatter Forest

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Whinlatter
Room on the Broom trail at Whinlatter Forest
Running trails at Whinlatter
Walking trails at Whinlatter
Wellbeing trail at Whinlatter
Feel good activity bag at Whinlatter
Fitness and wellbeing activities at Whinlatter Forest
Forest Find | Whinlatter Forest
Go Ape at Whinlatter
Gruffalo Orienteering at Whinlatter Forest
Gruffalo Sculptures at Whinlatter
Guided alpaca walks at Whinlatter
Horse riding at Whinlatter
Mountain bike orienteering at Whinlatter
Orienteering at Whinlatter
Parkrun at Whinlatter
Picnics at Whinlatter
Tramper hire at Whinlatter Forest
WildPlay trail at Whinlatter

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Parking Prices

Up to 20 minutes: No charge
First hour: £2.70
Additional time: £0.65 per 15 minutes
All day maximum charge: £12

If you arrive car-free there is no charge.

Pricing URL: https://www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Join us at weekends or after school for a party in the forest and in our yurt with wood burning stove.
Parties cost £10 per child (does not include food) with a minimum of 10 children.
Please contact our learning partner, Wild Things at Whinlatter, for details and bookings, wildthingsatwhinlatter@gmail.com or 07738 969 838.

Main car park and toilets open 8.30am to 8.30pm.

Address: Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW, England

Post Code: CA12 5TW

Council: Cumberland

County: Cumbria

By Car: From Keswick, take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite village, turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Whinlatter Visitor Centre signposts for approximately 3 miles
By Public Transport: We welcome car-free visitors and offer free admission to those arriving by public transport or bike – plan your journey at Good Journey. During the summer months there is a bus service between Keswick and Whinlatter which gives you the option of travelling via the beautiful Honister Rambler route, route number 77/77A.