A Visitor’s Guide to Grizedale

Where is Grizedale?

Grizedale is both the name of a forest and a small hamlet in the southern Lakes region of Cumbria. Tucked away between Lake Windermere to the east and Coniston Water to the west, Grizedale Forest is owned and managed by Forestry England and attracts visitors all year round who come to walk, cycle, explore and enjoy the stunning natural landscape and relative solitude of the wooded hills overlooking the nearby lakes.

Near Grizedale Visitor Centre is a collection of houses and cottages nestled around the Grizedale Forest café, with a dedicated car park for visitors to the area just a short stroll up the road. You’ll find Grizedale Observatory at The Yan near the car park, Grizedale bike hire and Go Ape here too.

What Makes Grizedale so Special?

Grizedale is a special place. Carefully managed by the Forestry Commission, this thriving woodland is buzzing with life – human, plant and animal – yet remains peaceful and calm. Well-maintained trails cater for foot traffic of all ages and abilities, with separate routes for mountain bikes that wind through the trees offering surprise views on occasion over the tops of the trees to the Lake District fells beyond.

Aside from the stunning location, incredible scenery and tranquil treks, Grizedale is a wonderfully safe place to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities too. You can try your hand at mountain biking Grizedale Forest, hiring bikes and heading out along the beginner trails, hiking the various Grizedale Forest walks, orienteering, horse riding, treetop adventures with Go Ape and entertaining the kids at the dedicated play area, nature trails and sculpture walks.

This is a must-visit destination in the South Lakes for families, couples, groups, solo visitors and friends alike. It is a particularly wonderful place to visit on wet weather days as the trees provide a level of protection the hills do not!

How to Get There

To reach Grizedale, you can travel by road from the north or south. The A590 meanders along the southern boundary of the Lake District National Park and you can head north from here from Newby Bridge or turn off further west. Equally, if you’re arriving from the northern Lakes, take the A591 south from Keswick and turn off at Ambleside and keep going past Hawkshead until you get to Grizedale Forest Car Park, which is clearly signposted.

There are no buses to Grizedale but you can get one to Hawkshead and walk or cycle to the forest instead, which is approximately 3 miles south of here.

Things to Do in Grizedale

As mentioned above, there are plenty of fun activities to try in Grizedale for people of all ages.

Hiking

Walks in Grizedale Forest range from short, interactive children’s trails that feature popular book characters and interesting landmarks, to longer rambles that break through the treeline, pass the various tarns here and reach south past Satterthwaite. Whether you’re looking for a way of entertaining littler legs or fancy a more challenging 10km expedition, Grizedale Forest Park makes an excellent base. The forest is home to several bodies of water – namely Grizedale Tarn (not to be confused with Grisedale Tarn which is above Thirlmere Reservoir), Wood Moss Tarn and Cubby’s Tarn – as well as Grizedale Beck which babbles along next to the road through the woods.

Aside from the main Grizedale Forest Car Park, there are 10 other car parks around the area which offer a huge range of walking route options, making this an excellent place to spend a day, a few days or much longer. You can download a map of Grizedale from the Forestry England website for the forest park and surrounding trails.

Outside of the immediate area is the West Windermere Way, a walking trail along the western shores of Lake Windermere and part of the longer 45 mile Windermere Way that circumnavigates the largest lake in England. Or head to nearby Tarn Hows for a shorter walk with pretty views. The Old Man of Coniston isn’t a million miles away either, just across Coniston Water from Grizedale and at 802m high, is one of the taller mountains in the area.

Mountain Biking

At Grizedale Forest, mountain biking is another popular pursuit. With bike hire available near the visitor centre and a map of trails to try that are clearly signposted along the way, exploring the forest on two wheels couldn’t be easier. You’re welcome to bring your own bikes too. The woods make for a safe place for a first foray for both adults and kids and Bike Treks Grizedale are on hand to advise on the best routes for your ability.

Go Ape

Grizedale Go Ape is a treetop challenge that takes you through a series of obstacles, bridges, zip lines, ladders, nets and pathways high up in the treeline. With different levels ranging from easy tree treks for kids over a certain height and more challenging routes for adventurous adults, this is an excellent way to spend a few hours. The views aren’t bad either! You can book in advance or turn up on the day and try your hand at something a little different.

Arts and Culture

Grizedale Arts, formerly known as the Grizedale Society, is a contemporary arts organisation that includes an artist’s residence and arts centre in the area, The Farmer’s Arms at Lowick Green. They are responsible for the Grizedale Forest Sculpture Trail that winds its way through the trees. As you explore the various routes through the woods, you’ll stumble upon arresting works of art that sit harmoniously amongst the vegetation, surprising and delighting visitors in equal measure.

Events

In addition to the multitude of seasonal trails, exhibitions and activities coordinated by Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, there is a busy calendar of local events too. From workshops at The Farmer’s Arms to stargazing and astronomy talks at the observatory, be sure to look out for what’s on before you arrive so as not to miss out!

Biketreks organise demo days where you can test the latest and greatest bikes and there are regular hosted walks organised where you can try foraging and orienteering, forest bathing and stargazing.

Annual events here include a half and full marathon in October and Grizedale Stages, which is an annual motocross event that attracts motorsport enthusiasts during the winter months.

Where to Stay in Grizedale

In terms of accommodation, Grizedale has limited options. There are no big hotels here, guesthouses or bed and breakfasts. Instead you’ll find a collection of holiday cottages scattered through the area, each offering picturesque views, comfortable facilities and a wonderful base for exploring this gorgeous corner of the national park. Check out our Grizedale holiday cottages to find the perfect place to stay for your next visit.

For those who want to try camping at Grizedale, Grizedale Campsite at Satterthwaite offers an authentic experience. Self-catering is the only Grizedale Forest accommodation option, so whether you camp or opt for the comfort of a cottage, you’ll have to venture out for food.

Where to Eat Near Grizedale

In Grizedale itself there is only Café Ambio where you can find food. They serve delicious cakes, pastries, sandwiches and light meals, hot and cold drinks, ice creams and kid’s meals. As dining options are limited, it can get quite busy at peak times so remember to factor that into your plans. For those on a budget or if you like dining al fresco there are picnic tables scattered throughout the forest and near the car park too.

The village of Satterthwaite is only a mile down the road from Grizedale Forest and with it, The Eagle’s Head, a wonderful gastropub serving hearty meals and local ales. With a beer garden outside and a friendly atmosphere, this country pub near Grizedale is a great option for an evening meal or a lunch while passing through.

Further away, a twenty minute drive north will find you in Ambleside with plenty of restaurants, bars, takeaways and cafés to try. Or head south for twenty minutes by car to Lakeside for dining options here or in nearby Newby Bridge.

Best Time to Visit Grizedale

The weather in Grizedale is much the same as the surrounding areas. Anyone who has visited Cumbria before will tell you that you need to pack swimwear and waterproofs, wellies and sunscreen on any given day!

The hills in the Lake District each create their own microclimates and weather forecasts often fail to predict accurately what conditions will be like. Saying that, Grizedale weather forecasts don’t tend to hamper the enjoyment that can be found in amongst the trees. Showers and wind are tempered by the dense woodland and it’s never as cold in the forest as it is outside. Pack waterproofs and wellies but bring layers so you can strip off when the sun comes out. As a year-round destination, the forest is only closed on Christmas Day but other than that, there is no better or worse time to visit. Summer can be busier so arrive early to get a parking spot, yet autumn brings a change in colour that is a sight to behold.

Places to Visit Nearby

Unless you’re staying in or around Grizedale and Satterthwaite (and why wouldn’t you be!?), you may be travelling to this area for the day or passing on your way elsewhere. Combine a trip into the woods with a visit to Hawkshead and explore the cobbled streets and quaint cottages in one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District.

Coniston is just across the water from Grizedale and from there you can take the Coniston Launch around the lake and to Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin, the English writer and historian. There are water sports galore to try on Coniston Water to the west of Grizedale or head to Lake Windermere where you can visit Ambleside, Lakeside and Newby Bridge. Again, exploring by boat is probably the easiest way to access this area, saving you traffic jams and finding parking. Brockhole on Windermere is great for families with kids – try treetop nets for an adventure suited to all ages – or the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside is a wonderful way to spend wetter weather days.

Coppermines Cottages in Grizedale

The Coppermines have a marvellous collection of Lake District cottages in some of the most popular, and many of the lesser known, towns and villages of the Lakes. A truly immersive way to spend a Lake District stay, cottage holidays give you the freedom to enjoy a home-from-home style getaway where you can do as much or as little as you fancy. Relax after your exertions in comfortable accommodation with hot tubs, stunning views and lots of outdoor space for the kids, pets and adults to run around in. Our cottages in Grizedale and Satterthwaite are dog friendly, have storage for bikes and flexible sleeping options, making them ideal for all kinds of visitors. So what are you waiting for?! Choose Grizedale for your next Lake District holiday for a stay away from the crowds.