6 great family fun days in and around Grizedale Forest
Grizedale Forest is the largest of the Lake District’s four main forests, covering over 24 sq km between Coniston Water and Windermere. Ranked the UK’s third best forest by Time Out, it’s known for its sculpture trail, extensive walking and cycling paths, and beautifully wild woodland.
Welcoming around 200,000 visitors each year, Grizedale is especially popular with families thanks to its wide range of activities. Beyond the forest itself, nearby Windermere, Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water, along with local villages, trails and attractions, offer even more ways to explore.
The area’s appeal lies in its flexibility. Families can enjoy gentle walks, picnics and play areas, or opt for cycling, lake activities and longer adventures, all close by. Below are six one-day itineraries designed to flow easily from morning to afternoon and mix well across longer stays, whatever your family’s pace.
6 Family-friendly itineraries for Grizedale
Time Out’s article about Grizedale highlights the natural beauty of the area. And, despite the copious activities to enjoy and its popularity, the forest retains its wilderness and a sense of peace.
Outside the forest, the natural beauty continues. This is why our itineraries include not only what to do in Grizedale forest, but also what to enjoy further afield. Let’s delve into the adventures that await.
1. Forest fun & village exploration
At a glance: Grizedale Sculpture Trail, Hawkshead Village, adventure playground.
Good for: Families of mixed ages & slower walkers.
Morning
The Grizedale Forest sculptures are whimsical artworks that curious kids and adults can enjoy by spotting them hidden in the woods along a trail. Great options include the easy Ridding Wood or slightly longer Bogle Crag routes. Perfect for the whole family, from young children to older grandparents.
Midday
Head into Hawkshead village for lunch. This is a picture-book Lakeland spot with cobbled streets and pretty cottages. The cafés are perfect for midday refuelling and cake. Wander the local shops and maybe even squeeze in a quick visit to the village church – St Michael’s and All Angels – for glorious views.
Afternoon
Back to the Forest, let the kids loose in the adventure playground near Grizedale visitor centre to burn off energy. The giant wooden climbing frames, swings, and slides are not only fun, but are also harmonious with the landscape, making the play area a pleasant place for parents to sit and enjoy the natural surroundings with a brew.
Why it works: A great balance of outdoor nature time and charming village culture to suit all ages.
2. Go Ape & Tarn Hows
At a glance: Adrenaline-fuelled challenges, picnic fun, lakeside views.
Good for: Families with older kids/teens (6+) and active energy.
Morning
Start your day with the thrill of Go Ape, Grizedale. Choose the Tree Top Adventure Plus for kids aged 6-10, the Treetop Challenge for ages 10+ or the Zip Trekking Adventure for older kids/teens. The swinging bridges and high-wire challenges at Grizedale Go Ape are beautifully hidden among the trees. This is an adventure that has kids buzzing and parents secretly wanting another go.
Midday
Refuel with a picnic or café lunch at the Grizedale Forest visitor centre before heading out for the afternoon. Café Ambio in Grizedale has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with indoor seating and outdoor areas. Serving a good range of brunch and lunch dishes, plus a kids’ menu, you’ll find something for everyone.
Afternoon
Enjoy the Tarn Hows circular route, a beautifully framed lake walk that’s mostly flat and ideal for kids, pushchairs, and balance bikes. Located between Hawkshead and Coniston, Tarn Hows is around a 15-minute drive from Grizedale Forest. It’s a well-surfaced loop of roughly 2 miles that most families can complete in about an hour at an easy, stop-and-start pace.
Why it works: An ideal mix of high energy and relaxing outdoor exploration.
3. Classic lakeside combo
At a glance: Coniston boat trip, village jaunts, lakeside walk.
Good for: Families who want variety without over-planning.
Morning
Take a Coniston Launch boat trip for gentle cruising with gorgeous views. Alternatively, hire a rowing boat and make your own little adventure on the water.
Midday
Get some lunch in Coniston village. Try one of the fantastic local cafés and maybe browse the village shops before heading back to the lakeside.
Afternoon
Embark on a walk along Coniston’s lakeshore directly from the village, heading towards Monk Coniston at the north end of the water. It’s a gentle, flexible walk that you can start straight from the village or Coniston Pier – simply follow the western shoreline northwards on clear paths
With mostly flat terrain, benches, plus plenty of spots for stone-skimming and paddling, you can walk as far as suits your time and energy, then turn back.
Fun fact: In the summer, lots of visitors enjoy sunbathing and swimming at Lake Coniston. It’s a picture-perfect spot, worthy of staying a few hours.
Why it works: A little bit of everything: boating, village, walks and paddling, all in one area.
4. Observatory discovery & hillside views
At a glance: Grizedale Observatory/Planetarium, forest walk, Carron Crag Views
Good for: Curious minds and explorers aged 7+
Morning
Book a session at Grizedale Observatory & Planetarium. It’s a brilliant, educational way to kick off the day with stars, planets and science. A peaceful contrast to the forest escapades outside, this is a different type of adventure that will suit those who want a break from physical exertion. It’s also ideal for a rainy day.
Midday
Enjoy some time in the forest. Pack a picnic or head to Grizedale café bar (Café Ambio), then set off on a forest hike up to Carron Crag. Follow the waymarked paths that lead up from Grizedale’s main forest trails. This hike gradually climbs out of the woodland as a natural extension of the Grizedale forest walks, rewarding you with spectacular views over Coniston Water and Windermere – all without needing to drive anywhere else.
Afternoon
Reward tired legs with a well-earned treat back at Grizedale visitor centre area, relax and recount favourite parts of the day en route home.
Why it works: A mix of scientific wonderment plus muddy walking boots. This is a perfect itinerary for inquisitive older kids.
5. Grizedale bike trails & Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse
At a glance: Grizedale forest biking, Hill Top/Near Sawrey, lakeside picnic.
Good for: Families with cycling kids and literary lovers.
Morning
Cycle the forest roads and waymarked trails in Grizedale. With routes for all levels, from beginner to expert, Grizedale Forest mountain biking is for everyone. If you don’t have or bring your own bikes, you can hire from Biketreks, Grizedale, who stock a variety of bikes, with electric options and trailers for the little ones, if needed.
Midday
Drive over to Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s beloved farmhouse. Enjoy a picnic at one of the benches or lawn spaces in the garden around the cottage, before exploring the rooms and gardens that inspired her stories.
Afternoon
Stroll to Moss Eccles Tarn for a peaceful lakeside walk that little children will love. It’s short, picturesque, and often rich with wildlife, like dragonflies and ducks.
Why it works: Combines heart-pumping outdoor action with a calm, storybook style comedown.
6. Orienteering & lake time with a pub lunch
At a glance: Orienteering challenge, Esthwaite Water walk, pub lunch in a pretty village.
Good for: Families with kids old enough to enjoy a simple navigation challenge and anyone who loves mixing outdoor fun with good food.
Morning
Kick off your day with exploratory navigation. Orienteering in Grizedale Forest can be enjoyed by all, with various trails available for children and families, beginners, and experts.
Navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map using a map and compass to locate checkpoints. It’s perfect for building confidence on the trails and getting everyone thinking. If you’re more competitive, try to complete the course in the quickest time!
Midday
After exercising your legs all morning, enjoy a classic Lake District pub lunch. A couple of brilliant local choices include:
- Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead – a beloved local pub right in the heart of Hawkshead with a well‑reviewed lunch menu featuring classic pub dishes, salads and delicious mains.
- Cuckoo Brow Inn – just a short drive or walk from Esthwaite Water in Far Sawrey, offering good food, a relaxed vibe, and pretty outdoor spaces for good weather.
Both sit beautifully with the scenery of Beatrix Potter country and are wonderful complements to a great day outside.
Afternoon
After filling your cup at the pub, head down to Esthwaite Water, a pretty spot abundant with wildlife. If you lunched in Hawkshead village, it’s an easy walk down to the lakeshore along footpaths and quiet lanes, with lovely views over the water and often ospreys spotted fishing in season.
Why it works: Orienteering adds a sense of playful purpose for kids who don’t love walking. Coupled with a gentle lake stroll and cheeky pub lunch, it’s a rewarding but not exhausting day.
Practical tips for visiting Grizedale
To make the most of your day in Grizedale and the surrounding area, a little planning goes a long way. These tips cover everything from booking activities to choosing trails and staying comfortable, so your family can focus on having fun rather than worrying about last-minute logistics.
Booking
Go Ape courses, orienteering experiences, observatory sessions, and Grizedale bike hire often need advance booking, especially during school holidays and weekends. Check availability before you plan your day to avoid missing out.
Weather
Grizedale weather can change quickly. Bring waterproofs, layers, and sturdy footwear to prepare for all conditions.
Side note: Some forest trails and Go Ape courses may be closed in heavy rain or strong winds.
Parking
Grizedale Forest parking is relatively easy with multiple car parks, but it can get busy. Arrive early in peak season to secure a space, especially if you want to picnic or use the café. See the map below for Grizedale Forest car park locations.
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Facilities
Grizedale visitor centre has toilets, a café (Café Ambio), picnic benches, and helpful staff to answer trail questions or recommend routes.
Trail choices
Sculpture trails, forest paths, and walks in Grizedale Forest vary in difficulty and length, so plan a route that suits all ages in your group. Many paths allow for pushchairs and younger children, while longer forest or fell walks are better for confident walkers.
You’ll find information on routes and trails at the visitors centre. To help, here’s a quick link to a Grizedale Forest Map.
Local pubs and cafés
If you plan to have lunch or dinner outside the forest, check opening hours. Some smaller village pubs or tearooms near Grizedale may only serve food at certain times.
Cottages in Grizedale – perfect places after a day of fun
Grizedale really does offer something for every family, whether that’s an adventure in the treetops, lakeside excursions, or exploring the fells.
Staying in or near Grizedale means you can make the most of your days out without the stress of long drives. Not to mention, there’s nothing quite like returning to a cosy cottage after a full day of exploring.
While there aren’t any cottages directly in Grizedale Forest itself, there are plenty of choices in the nearby surrounding areas. The Coppermines Lake District Cottages specialise in holiday cottages of varying sizes, for families large and small. Check out our Grizedale cottages, Hawkshead cottages, and Coniston Village cottages, all within easy reach of Grizedale Forest and all its activities.
Contact us for a friendly chat about your requirements and for any advice about the Grizedale area. Our team of experts are on hand to help.
