Whinlatter Forest - Activities

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

Whinlatter 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. Our toilet facilities are very limited.

Visitor information

Opening hours

Dawn until dusk 7 days a week. The main car park is open 9am - 5pm.

How to find us

Whinlatter Pass, Keswick

Sat Nav Postcode: CA12 5TW

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

Or go car-free

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.

Route dates and times may vary so please check the Stagecoach timetable before you travel.

OS Grid Ref

NY209245

Get directions

54.6047044, -3.2369404

Parking and prices

The main car park is on a 'Pay on Exit' system.

The are 2 pay stations situated in the main car park and 1 by the Visitor Centre.
The main car park is open 9am-5pm

Charges: if you stay for less than 20 minutes, parking is free. Otherwise, the charges below apply.

The machines take coins (no change given), credit cards or you have up to 48hrs after your visit to pay online at Park with Ease. The machines are being cleaned regularly, but please try and pay online to avoid touching them. Please bring hand sanitiser with you to use after you have touched the machines.

Parking charges apply at all times.

If you arrive car-free there is no charge