A guide to holidays in Grizedale and Satterthwaite
Grizedale is unlike anywhere else in the Lake District, or even in Cumbria, and is a gorgeous forest park with many distinctive features, making it a truly wonderful place to stay within the National Park.
There is so much to see and do within Grizedale’s Forest Park, making it one of the best holiday destinations in the Lake District. It is particularly great for cycling, with a variety of forest roads and tracks to discover across the park. Mountain bikers will love the North Face Route, offering a real all-terrain challenge. The visitor centre has bike hire available, so you don’t even need to bring your own along.
One of Grizedale’s main attractions, perfect for all the family, is Go Ape!, with its adrenaline-fuelled adventures taking you 60 metres above the forest floor. It offers a challenging aerial assault course with zip wires, Tarzan swings and rope bridges, all set within the beautiful surroundings of the forest, while down on the ground you can cruise around the forest park on one of the Segways available.
If it’s a walking holiday you’re after, Grizedale has a wide selection of walks and interesting places to check out. Pick up a guide map from the Visitor Centre and explore the many waymarked paths, which offer wonderful views out to the Grizedale Valley, Coniston Water and Windermere. For excellent panoramic views head to the forest’s highest point, Carron Crag (317m), and look out over the fells of the Central Lake District. There’s even a sculpture trail to follow throughout the park, with some sculptures having been there since the 1970s, and the sculptures are often supplemented by art and photography exhibitions at the Visitor Centre.
Located within easy reach of three of the Lake District’s best-loved lakes, Lake Windermere, Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water, there’s plenty of waterside scenery to be seen nearby. For a wider choice of amenities and attractions, you can also visit Hawkshead and Near and Far Sawrey, which both have interesting connections to Beatrix Potter. They both also have a choice of cafés and pubs to dine at, perfect for a self-catering holiday.
If you’ve been inspired to plan a holiday to Grizedale, take a look at our full collection of holiday cottages, lodges and accommodation in Grizedale Forest.