Grizedale — Attraction in Great Britain

Very quiet when we arrived in the morning however was very busy by the time we were getting ready to leave in the afternoon.

Lots of different walks and cycling routes but this meant that the map was difficult to read as the little dots were unclear. Our party went on different bike routes but when 2 of us had a fall (child and parent) it was difficult to regroup as one member of the group got lost twice as the signage wasn't clear. However it wasn't just us having issues as we got asked by 3 different sets of people for directions to various places.

The views were impressive but felt that we needed local MTB knowledge to find the best riding areas. We went on a very dry day which made the gravelly forest road hazardous and it was impossible to find a quick route back to the visitor centre as again nothing signposted showing where you were or quickest route back.

We have previously visited Grizedale and loved the little musical forest walk, however I couldn't hear this playing on this visit therefore wondering if it's closed due to the pandemic.

Toilets kept clean so although we never saw a cleaner based on the fact it was busy I assume they were...

The parking is pretty expensive and done by numberplate recognition. You have to buy a trail map. The trails, including how to get on them initially from the visitors' centre, are very poorly signed. We did two trails and only saw two sculptures even though there are supposed to be many. The sound sculptures on the accessible trail aren't working. Pretty poor! The café seems ok, with plenty of seating and nice looking cakes but we just had coffee. Toilets handy at centre and at carpark. There's a small shop and a couple of craft workshops. Centre and cafe dog friendly. Playground behind the centre is weird- maybe not a playground but some bike or wheel park? The Lumberjills exhibition in the shop/info centre is very good, and the woods and river are very pleasant, but if you're not going for the cycling or want the accessible walk trail or high ropes activity, I'd park elsewhere and walk the numerous paths which are not necessarily on the trail list. We wont be visiting again as it was a generally mediocre visit experience apart from the Lumberjills exhibition...

The drive down to Grizedale is demanding with narrow roads and passing places, however we think the situation is worth the drive.

Lovely clean facilities at the visitors centre and our children enjoyed playing on the adventure playpark. Cafe serving refreshments and snacks is well positioned with a good amount of space external for seating.

The forest is well maintained, gruffalo orienteering and a musical art installation were great for getting our kids interested and into the walk we set out to do.

We did the white trail (approx 2hrs), while it was suggested by staff at the centre that it was the easiest (we had a member of our party who had a mild mobility restriction) and there are a few steep inclines/descents with loose stones which were a concern. However the paths were all well maintained and the walk itself varied enough to keep our kids (8&11yo) going the whole way round without ever asking that dreaded question! All in all, we had a great family day out and would definitely return to try out other trails when in the...