Explore Grizedale

(Average user rating: 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. 

Picnic Cinema returns

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Grizedale in Spring

Spring is the perfect time to visit the forest to see the iconic carpets of bluebells, and the Millwood Trail is a great place to spot these sweet scented flowers in bloom.

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.