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Grizedale Forest

Creative Tourist

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Grizedale Forest

Grizedale, Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ
0300 067 4495
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  • Monday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

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There’s not much but trees between Coniston Water and the little town of Hawkshead – 24.47 square kilometres of working forest to be exact – oh, and a series of sculptures which can be discovered by a number of waymarked walking trails. Known as the first forest for sculpture, there are now over 50 sculptures in the landscape including works by artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Richard Harris and Sally Matthews, often made from naturally-occurring materials that blend with the landscape.

The innovation continues today and Forestry England is working on a series of projects to re-imagine Grizedale Forest as the international centre for art in the environment. Nor is it just sculpture – listen out for live literature events, Eden Arts’ fabulous picnic cinema and, of course, the mountain bike trails and treetop adventure Go Ape – including a zip wire trek adventure and an hour-long forest Segway trail. The latter includes views of Coniston Lake and the mountains beyond, while the other experiences here will take you high into the trees or swooping through the Douglas firs, even attempting a free-fall Tarzan swing. With different courses for everything from the most daredevil individuals to more conservative souls, it’s a great place to head for an adventure with a difference.

Check opening times before making a special visit.

Featured in

Outdoor Art in the North

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What's on near Grizedale Forest

A large mechanical puppet controlled by multiple people. Encounter Festival in Preston
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Expect a jam-packed day of outdoor performance, live music, family fun – plus Preston’s iconic Torchlight Procession and fireworks finale.

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Confessional Festival

Blackburn’s Confessional Festival turns ten, celebrating with two days of live music set beneath the stained glass and vaulted stonework of Holy Trinity Church.

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Where to go near Grizedale Forest

Brantwood, image courtesy of venue
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The Lake District home of the radical social and cultural thinker, John Ruskin.

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Grizedale Arts continues to explore the role of art in society from its award winning eco-base near Coniston.

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LawsonParkFarm, courtesy of venue
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Award-winning self-catering holiday accommodation that is not only beautiful but also supports the pioneering work of Grizedale Arts.

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The Ruskin Museum tells the story of Coniston in Cumbria – a place of copper mines and slate quarries, Swallows & Amazons country where Beatrix Potter owned farms and Stone Age fell walkers once dwelled.

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