Go Ape Grizedale provides a truly world-class backdrop for your high ropes adventure. This stunning location is the full monty of outdoor activity with unrivalled experiences in the Lake District National Park. A true outdoor adventure hub surrounded by towering trees and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect spot to escape the everyday and take on a thrilling day out in nature. With towering trees and dense woodland all around, you’ll feel completely immersed in nature as you swing, climb, and zip your way through this unforgettable experience.
Tackle the Goliath of Lake District Adventures
Feel the excitement grow as you wind your way along the scenic approach to Go Ape Grizedale, tucked beautifully between the sparkling waters of Coniston Water and Lake Windermere. These courses are among the highest Go Ape has to offer across the country. While they’re guaranteed to get your pulse racing, the breathtaking Lake District views of towering mountains and shimmering lakes make every step worth it.
Looking for an active promotional code or booking discount before you secure your harnesses? Be sure to explore our dedicated Go Ape Offers Page to locate active discount vouchers and seasonal family bundle savings.
Treetop Challenge
The undisputed Goliath of the forest, the flagship Treetop Challenge course at Grizedale offers up to 3 hours of high-flying ropes fun. Designed explicitly for adults, teenagers, and older children over 1.4m tall, you’ll tackle high-rise crossings, navigate unstable stirrups, and experience spectacular views across the wider Cumbrian valleys.
Treetop Adventure Plus
Younger thrill-seekers over 1.2m tall and over 6 years old can push their limits on the bigger, bolder obstacles of the Treetop Adventure Plus course. Introducing higher timber platforms, more complex crossings, and longer, faster zip wires, it provides the perfect stepping stone to help growing adventurers build their independence and coordination high in the boughs.
If you’d like to compare course difficulties or locate alternative trails, browse our complete guide to All UK Go Ape Locations or explore our master list of regional UK High Ropes Courses near you.
The Specialized Zip Trekking Adventure
Grizedale Forest is an absolute paradise for zip wire fans. While the standard high ropes courses feature epic flights through the treetops, the ultimate thrill is the dedicated **Zip Trekking Adventure**. This breathtaking 3km aerial journey features a network of seven tandem zip lines flying high above the forest canopy, allowing you to ride dual wires side by side with a friend or family member.
Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets from the Go Ape Grizedale Official Website to secure your arrival time slots.
What to Wear & Gear Guidelines
You should wear comfortable outdoor clothes that you don’t mind getting covered in tree bark, sap, or mud. The course is fully outdoors and operates through rain and sunshine alike, so prepare for changeable and wet weather conditions. If a sudden shower rolls in, it simply adds to the wilderness fun as long as you’re wearing suitable clothing! Your footwear must be sturdy and suitable for the outdoors, meaning closed-toe choices are mandatory for safety. No sandals, slip-on shoes, open toes, or high heels are allowed. A tight pair of climbing gloves is also a great idea.
A Spectacular Family Day Out in Grizedale Forest
Feeling energetic after unharnessing? Climb to the forest’s highest point at Carron Crag and enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Lake District fells. Cyclists are exceptionally well catered for too, with routes ranging from gentle forest tracks to adrenaline-fuelled downhill singletracks for the more adventurous mountain bike rider. Full equipment rentals are available on-site at the resident biking hub.
Grizedale is also proudly home to the UK’s largest **Sculpture in the Forest** exhibition, so keep your eyes peeled for unique art installations hidden creatively among the paths and trees. Once back on the ground, families can explore one of ten waymarked walking trails, ranging from gentle 1-mile strolls to challenging 10-mile hikes. When it’s time to refuel, settle down across the lakeside lawns with a family picnic or pop into the Visitor Centre tearoom for a well-earned warm treat.
Travelling & Directions to the Forest
Go Ape Grizedale is tucked between Coniston Water and Windermere. Car parking is split across Kennels car park and Hall car park, managed via an ANPR cashless ticketless layout operated by Forestry England.
Approach from the South: The recommended route is from the south via the A590 and Newby Bridge. Follow signs to Hawkshead, past the Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge and through Lakeside, up the west side of Windermere. As you come to Hawkshead (approximately 8 miles, 20 minutes from the A590 turn), take the small left turn signed to Grizedale next to two white cottages. If you go past a repair garage and a primary school, you have missed the turn. Continue for three miles up over the hill and down to the car parks. From Kennels car park, a scenic 5-to-7 minute walk beneath the canopy ropes leads directly to the check-in cabin.
Approach from the North: Travel to Ambleside and follow highway signage directing toward Hawkshead, then follow the local markers to Grizedale, taking the small right-hand turn 200 yards past the school. Continue for three miles up over the hill directly down into the visitor car parks.
Important Journey Note: We strongly recommend that you do not use the car ferry across Windermere. The ferry queues will heavily delay your journey, meaning you might miss your climbing session, which can result in not being able to complete your activity. Waiting times for the ferry are often in excess of 45 minutes during school holidays and weekends.
Lake District Staycations & Nearby Accommodation
With ancient mountain fells on site, historic sculptures to track down, and the beautiful shores of Windermere just a short drive down the road, the region makes an incredible setting for an extended family staycation or weekend holiday:
- Woodland Luxury Cabins: Elevate your trip by escaping to a premium forest lodge complete with private hot tubs and cosy log burners hidden beneath the trees of regional holiday hubs through Forest Holidays.
- Country Cottages & Holiday Rentals: If you prefer a rustic countryside stay, find traditional stone cottages with roaring fires and character properties near the fells through Sykes Holiday Cottages or search deep local village rentals via Snaptrip.
- Hotels & Lakeside Inns: Compare thousands of traditional lakeland hotels, cosy country guest houses, and flexible family suites near Hawkshead via Booking.com.
- Budget-Friendly Hubs: For great value, clean, and highly dependable family-friendly rooms close to major transit roads, secure your booking with Travelodge.
For the best discounts and savings on regional holiday packages, view our comprehensive Travel and Accommodation Offers Guide.
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