From our first visit in 2018 to our most recent exploration of the Stick Man trail introduced in 2025, Whinlatter Forest has been one of our favourite places to visit in the Lake District, even before we moved to Cumbria.

Read on to discover a little about the history of Whinlatter and everything it has to offer making it a perfect family-friendly day out in the Lake District.

About Whinlatter Forest

After the First World War, there was a timber shortage. As a result, planting began in ernest, and so begins the story of England's only mountain forest, home to the most spectacular views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick.

Rising to a height of 1,043 feet above sea level, and spread over 1217 hectares, Whinlatter Forest is a mixed plantation of trees ranging from Sitka and Norway spruce to Scots pine, Douglas fir and Lawson cypress. This stunning area is a World Heritage Site within the Lake District, and offers a number of activities from biking trails to children’s adventure trails.

Where can I park?

There is a car park beside the Whinlatter Visitor Centre,

Up to 20 minutes: Free
First hour: £2.60
Maximum daily charge: £10

N.B. Car parking charges apply at all times to all vehicles. This includes Blue Badge holders.

To find the car park, use this post code: CA12 5TW

What's available at Whinlatter Forest?

Activity trails for children

So far we have enjoyed several trips out to Whinlatter including:

Highway Rat trail

Zog trail

N.B. This trail has now ended

Gruffalo orienteering

Stick Man trail

N.B. This trail is new from February Half Term holiday 2025

Numbered trails for walking

Whinlatter Fell

N.B. Are you visiting the Lake District to tick bagging Wainwrights off your bucket list? Whinlatter Fell is one of the 214 Wainwrights you can bag!

The longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District

Running trails supported by Sport England

Adventure play areas

FAQs about our family days out

Is it suitable for children and / or dogs?

100%! Depending on your children's capabilities (or your dog's!) there are plenty of routes to take and enjoy. With multiple activity trails, adventure playgrounds, and more, Whinlatter Forest offers a multitude of options to explore as a family.

Are there facilities available?

The visitor centre and forest shop offer a spot to both get information about Whinlatter Forest, purchase activity packs, and even pick up a souvenir or two. It is open 10am - 5pm everyday. Additionally, there are fully accessible toilets and changing facilities next to the visitor centre which are open 8:30am - 8:30pm - the same hours as the car park itself.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

When we head to Whinlatter for a visit, we like to take a picnic and enjoy our snacks and food on one of the many picnic benches available within the forest. However, if you fancy a hot drink, homemade cake, or even a delicious meal, Café Ambio is the perfect spot. It's open 10am - 5pm at the back of Whinlatter Forest visitor centre. You can head inside or go to the outside window as some items are available as a takeaway!

With that you now know all you need to plan ahead and add a visit to Whinlatter Forest fo your Lake District itinerary. Whether you are local or visiting on holiday, there are so many reasons this makes a fabulous day out for all the family.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my blogs on the Lake District. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.