Ridding Wood Trail currently closed for major resurfacing works (estimated opening - early April 23)
Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

The forest is open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk

We do not allow camping or overnight stays in the forest or any of the car parks in Grizedale Forest.

 

Weekdays

Monday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Tuesday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Wednesday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Thursday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Friday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm

Weekends

Saturday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm
Sunday
Visitor Centre 10am - 4pm
Bike Hire 9am - 5pm
Cafe 10am - 4pm

How to find us

How to find us

Please note that not all routes to the forest are accessible by coaches. Coaches should approach from the south.

 

Forestry Commission Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead
Sat Nav Postcode: LA22 0QJ
By Car

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.

 

OS Grid Ref
SD331944

54.338834536902, -3.0227733220042

Parking and prices

The Visitor Centre car parks take cards or coins (Kennels car park is card only), however the machines are unable to give change.

The machines accept credit and debit cards or pay online at Park with Ease up to 48 hours after your visit.

 

Charges

Up to 20 minutes: No charge

First hour: £2.50

Additional time: £0.50 per 15 minutes

All day maximum charge: £8

Members: No action required

 

 

The Moor Top and Bogle car park machines are currently covered and there are no  charges to park here.

 

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member - Find out more about our membership offer
Number of accessible parking spaces: 6
Card payments accepted
Coaches/Minibuses welcomed
Pay on exit system

Facilities and access

Barbecues and fires are not currently allowed anywhere in the forest.

We do not allow camping or overnight stays in the forest or any of the car parks in Grizedale Forest

Visit England We're Good to Go green tick

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Assistant dogs welcome
Cafe
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Picnic area

Contact details

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.

We do not allow camping or overnight stays in the forest or any of the car parks in Grizedale Forest

What's on

Forest event
19 May until 10 December
10am to 4pm
Exhibition Space

This exhibition celebrates the contribution of the Women's Timber Corps (part of the Women's Land Army) - also known as Lumberjills - during the Second World War. Nearly 5,000 women carried out a wide range of forestry tasks during this time, from felling and loading to driving tractors and operating sawmills.

Share your story

In a first-of-its-kind celebration of women in forestry, the Forestry CommissionForestry England and Forest Research have commissioned The People’s Picture to create a photo mosaic. The mosaic will feature women from across the forestry sector and general public to illustrate the connection today’s women have with forests and woodlands.

We invite you to submit photos showing yourself in a favourite forest spot, either related to your work or enjoying woodland spaces. The mosaic will go on display as part of the exhibition here at Grizedale.

Grizedale Forest has been a big supporter of the Arts for over 50 years. With many sculptures within the forest, and more recently opening a gallery space, where we host art exhibitions showcasing art works by new and established artists throughout the year. 

Our amazing adventure play area is great for kids to burn off any excess energy, with plenty to keep them occupied.

There are also picnic benches and undercover seating close by for a great day out in all weathers.

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Grizedale Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling.

Our famous mountain bike routes will spoil you for choice.

Pre-booking is essential. More information is available on the Go Ape website.

Go Ape Forest Segways are the best fun you can have off-road, on two eco-friendly wheels, without having to pedal!  

You will receive training and get the chance to practice before you head out, with a safari guide, on our trails. Enjoy a mixture of twisty trails and wide open, straight tracks on this circular, hour long adventure.

Nearby forests

View over Hardknott, lake district

The entire 630 hectare site at Hardknott Forest is being restored to native habitats of oak and birch woodland, peatbogs, heather and grassland.

Whitbarrow forest hills

Residing within the Lake District National Park, Whitbarrow Forest is situated on a limestone ridge overlooking the Lyth Valley approximately eight kilometres to the south-west of Kendal.

The wider Whitbarrow massif is a popular walking area; much of which is now designated open access land. The whole area is well-served with public footpaths, permissive paths and a wide range of other paths and tracks.

Eggerslack

Eggerslack Woods is a delightful, tranquil place with native trees, an abundance of wildlife and a wide range of holly, ivy and ferns. Located south of Kendal, it is well-equipped with footpaths and is a natural gateway to spectacular views.

Eggerslack Wood is a popular location for walkers and is often visited as part of more extended walks over Hampsfell. Eggerslack is well placed to offer short walks from Grange-over-Sands or from the parking area on Hampsfell Road.

View of Pillar from Blengdale Forest viewpoint

Discover a variety of outdoor experiences at Blengdale Forest, from a gentle walk up the valley of the River Bleng to a cycle ride around the forest roads. 

From the highest points, Blengdale offers wild views of Wasdale, Haycock and the West Cumbrian Coast.

For some light refreshment stop off in Gosforth and sample the delicious Gosforth Bakery's pies, famous throughout Cumbria.

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