3.7/5)Grizedale Forest, in the heart of the Lake District, offers an unrivalled day out for everyone. Whether you're looking for an easy going trail for all abilities, a MTB route to test your skills, a quiet spot to admire the wildlife and amazing sculptures or a place to relax and enjoy some great food.
Update on new shop - Rheged at Grizedale
Unfortunately Rheged will not be open in time for the half term holidays. They are still recruiting the team who will work in the shop and are working hard to complete this process. We expect the shop to be open by mid June.
All other facilities and businesses will be open as usual. If you require further information about visiting the forest please contact Grizedale Visitor Centre on 01229 860010.
If you are interested in job opportunites please call 01539 711334.
Tour De Hawkshead - Cycle Fun Day Saturday 13th July 2013
Join Hawkshead Esthwaite School for:
Fun Route - 5 miles,
2 Lakes ride - 12 miles,
King of the Mountains - 50 miles and lots more fun & games.
Enter here for more information
Environmental Photographer of the year
The 2013 exhibition comes to Grizedale Forest, Cumbria from 25 May to 1 Sept, featuring over 100 astonishing images.
Picnic Cinema returns
Come along to watch 28 Days Later (18) and campover on 10 Aug 2013 in the eerie, but beautiful setting of Grizedale forest. For more information visit www.picniccinema.co.uk
Trails for everyone
Situated between the lakes of Coniston and Windermere Grizedale is an ideal place to go walking, with views of the lakes and mountains, the shelter of the trees and sculptures in the forest. There are way marked trails of different lengths and grades to suit all abilities. Have a chat with our visitor centre staff if you need more advice once you arrive and they’ll be able to help you chose the best route to suit you and the conditions.
Amazing bike trails
Grizedale Forest is a fantastic for biking. The North Face single track route gives experienced mountain bikers an adrenaline rush while the forest roads and bridleways have a range of safe, off-road routes for different abilities.
There are 5 waymarked cycle trails of different lengths - download a bike trail map from the site or buy one in the forest shop. Grizedale provides a great day out for all levels of cyclist. There are a range of waymarked trails that lead the cyclist around the forest on forest roads and tracks.
Art and sculpture
Grizedale Forest is famous for its outdoor sculptures. Since 1977 leading international artists have created sculpture in response to Grizedale Forest's unique environment, establishing the first collection of site-specific art in the UK. Now around 40 sited artworks are located across the forest, linked by the network of walking and cycling trails.
Wonderful wildlife
Grizedale Forest is a haven for wildlife. It’s home to the only remaining indigenous woodland herd of red deer in England. If you’re lucky, you can spot them roaming around the forest, especially at dawn or dusk. There are also roe deer living in the forest, while the birds include buzzards and barn owls as well as red kites, thanks to the recent Grizedale Red Kite re-introduction project.
Cafe in the Forest
Our fantastic cafe must be one of the best places to eat and relax in the Lake District.
The cafe offers a variety of hot meals and salads, childrens' meals, sandwiches, soups and cakes with a wide range of teas and coffees. There is also a range of takeway snacks available from the "hatch" if you don't have time to sit down to eat and drink.
Go Ape. UK’s No.1 Forest Adventure Enjoy the classic Go Ape experience in the trees or explore the forest on an epic all-terrain segway.
Take a look and book at our Go Ape page.
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at grizedale@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.
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