Grizedale - Activities | Forestry England

Please read our guidance about what to expect when visiting and check which sites are still closed - Guidance and closures

Parts of the North Face Trail are closed as we have been unable to carry out maintenance work. Please do not ride the taped off sections.

Grizedale Forest Car Parks re-open Saturday 16 May. Please note however that GoApe, our cafe, bike hire, play areas and Gruffalo trails will remain closed for now. Toilet facilities are limited.

Visitor information

Opening hours

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

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

Get directions

54.3334787, -2.9975616

Parking and prices

The Visitor Centre and Kennels car parks take cards or coins, however the machines are unable to give change. In order to avoid touching the machines and to help with social distancing, you can pay online up to 48hrs after your visit on the Park with Ease website. Please bring hand sanitiser with you to use if you do touch the machines.

Please note that if you stay longer than 20 minutes then charges apply from when you first arrive.

Parking charges apply at all times.

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