Visitor information

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

A group of women in the forest in front of a timber stack
Until 10 December 2023
10am-4pm
Exhibition space at Grizedale
Explore the remarkable women of the Women’s Timber Corps through a special exhibition at Grizedale.
Forest event
25 October
5.30pm to 7.30pm

Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.

Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky.

Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.

 

Forest event
11 November
5.30pm to 7.30pm

Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.

Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky.

Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.

 

Forest event
16 December 2023 until 21 April 2024
Open all day
Exhibition Space

Earth Photo, the international competition and exhibition created by Forestry England and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), showcases photographs and videos that document the natural world, its breathtaking beauty, and its ever-growing fragility.

The Grizedale exhibition will display a selection of the shortlisted entries, allowing visitors to view the stunning images in a beautiful forest setting. 

Don't miss Earth Photo 2023 at Grizedale.

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.

Explore over 4000 hectares of forest and woodland and discover sculptures by some of the leading names in contemporary art.

Grizedale Forest's extensive network of walking and cycling trails are a great way to explore and discover sculptures.

The trails offer a range of options for visitors of all abilities and incredible views of the surrounding Lake District Fells.

Discover other arts projects across England. 

We are delighted that we now have an all-terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) available to hire.

We currently have one waymarked route approved for the Tramper to use. This is a stunning 5 mile trail exploring some of the quieter areas of the western side of the forest around Wood Moss tarn. We will have a shorter, gentler route available later in the year as soon as some trail improvement works are completed.

You need to be a member of Outdoor Mobility to hire the Tramper. If you’re not an existing member, we have the membership forms for you to sign up. An annual membership costs £10 or a taster membership that lasts for two weeks costs £2.50. There is no additional hire fee to use the Tramper.

For insurance and safety reasons all Tramper users must be accompanied by another person.

All new members will be provided with an induction on how to use the Tramper. Existing users will be offered a refresher of how to operate the Tramper. All information required will be passed over to the user through the booking process.

To hire the Tramper, please register and book through the Outdoor Mobility website.

Read the Outdoor Mobility membership terms and conditions.

With views of the lakes and mountains, the shelter of the trees and sculptures in the forest, there's a walk to enjoy for everyone here at Grizedale, no matter your experience or ability.

Climb to the summit of Carron Crag for fabulous panoramic views of the southern Lake District, or meander your way to the peaceful sight of Grizedale Tarn. Younger visitors will love exploring the Ridding Wood and Millwood trails before returning to the visitor centre for a well-deserved visit to Cafe Ambio and the play area.

Whichever route you choose, keep an eye out for the fantastic range of sculptures and artworks scattered throughout the forest. Pick up a map from Visitor Information or download below to start planning your visit.

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.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England