I might have said this a few times, but there are very few trees in Shetland. We live on a wind-swept, saltwater-battered rock in the middle of the North Sea. There are a few little groups of trees here and there, and one deciduous area which gives a tiny taste of what it feels like to be in a proper forest, but for the real deal we have to head to the mainland.
In the summer of 2014 my husband and I took our younger two children south to the mainland for our first proper family holiday away. For our youngest, it was the first time he’d ever been off the island. For madam, she’d only been to the mainland once, that Spring, to receive an award on behalf of her classmates.
We packed up our RAV 4 with camping equipment, took the overnight ferry 200 miles south to Aberdeen and drove to the Lake District via an overnight stop in Edinburgh (and a visit to the zoo!), for a spot of camping in the forest.
GRIZEDALE CAMPING SITE
The Grizedale camping site is located in a quiet corner of the Lake District, in between Coniston Water and Lake Windemere on Bowkerstead Farm. It’s an active farm, and tent pitches are available in the lower fields.
We opted for a camping pod located in the heart of the forest up behind the farm. I’d chosen this particular campsite because a) it was fairly quiet and b) we were permitted to have open fires. I’d spent ages researching different camping sites in the Lake District and most of them didn’t allow fires. What’s the point of camping if you can’t have a fire?!
The camping pod was very basic – nothing but a floor with a roof, small window and door. There was just enough room to set up air mattresses and store our bags. There’s a small wooden deck area to the front of the pod ideal for setting up a kitchen area, plus, each pod has its own fire pit (yay!). The site also has a male and female toilet and shower area and small kitchenette with a coffee machine.
The campsite owner, Arthur, is a fantastic fellow who made sure our stay was comfortable and pleasant. He regularly brought up bags of wood and kindling (we weren’t permitted to gather our own on his property) on his four wheeler and was happy to answer any of our questions about the area.
As I mentioned earlier, the campsite is on an active farm, so we regularly had visits from Arthur’s goat. A giant metal ant in the garden next to the farm house was a talking point – apparently it was commissioned for a Prodigy music concert in 2010, and has somehow made its way to Arthur’s garden!
Apparently it rains a lot in the Lake District, and we’d brought our waterproofs just in case. It rained, a gentle little pitter patter on the roof of our camping pod early on the first morning. For the next five full days – pure, glorious sun and blue skies!
In Shetland if the BBC weather app shows a picture of a white cloud with a sun peeking out from behind it it means it’s going to be really cloudy all day and the sun might, on the rare occasion, peek out. In the Lake District a sun peeking out behind a cloud means blue sky horizon to horizon with the occasional little white fluffy cloud floating by.
It was my husband’s birthday while we were camping here, and a birthday means cake. It took some figuring out, but I developed a recipe for a chocolate orange camp fire cake using actual ingredients (and not boxed brownie mixes like most recipes I found on Pinterest!). I also served up some Middle Eastern spiced campfire chickpeas, which were really rather lovely.
Evenings were spent around the campfire, sipping wine and taking in the sounds of the forest and, during the weekdays we were there, the quiet murmurings of our camping neighbours. The weekend was a bit different when the city kids arrived with their parties and tinny digital music. Still, it was a fantastic campsite and base to explore the surrounding area.
The camping pods at Grizedale cost £30 per night, and they recommend booking in advance.
GO APE
Just up the road from the Grizedale Campsite you’ll find the Grizedale Forest Park Go Ape facility. Now, keep in mind that this was the first time my children had ever been in a proper forest – just imagine how amazing this experience was for them!
Although this was my idea of heaven, I was two stone heavier at that time and still recovering from a foot crush injury, so I didn’t want to chance going up into the trees myself. My husband took them up for the Treetop Junior Adventure.
Staff were very friendly and kitted the kids out in a safety harness before providing instructions on how to get through the course.
The Junior Treetop Adventure is a shorter course designed for Tiny Tarzans, with just enough canopy exploring and traversing to get a good feel for the site. The ultimate test is the zip wire at the end. If your child has the confidence to do the zip wire then they can go back up and do the longer, higher tree top route.
They flew around it like they had wings! Well, DD (then 7) did, while our 5 year old preferred to cling on to his father’s legs. DD whizzed down that zip wire while DS opted for the stairs.
It’s an absolutely brilliant idea, and these Go Ape facilities are located up and down the country. Visit their website to find out where your nearest one is. Prices start from £18 and it’s definitely money well spent.
There’s a cafe and gift shop next to the Go Ape facility too, or if flying through the treetops isn’t your thing, there are plenty of trails to explore. Ask at the information desk for a leaflet detailing the paths.
THE CLOCKWORK FOREST
One of the nearby trails is the Ridding Wood Trail, which, in 2011, became home to The Clockwork Forest, created by the internationally renowned artist group Greyworld. Their artwork takes the form of multiple giant clockwork keys which, when turned, activate magical sound compositions.
We had no idea this was here when we started down this trail – we were there because it was the 15th anniversary of the Gruffalo, and this was one of the Gruffalo Trails organized by the Forestry Commission. As far as this Gruffalo Trail went it was rather underwhelming (cardboard cut outs of the characters were cable tied to the trees), but finding clockwork trees – now that was pretty awesome.
Another strange phenomenon we encountered many times during our adventures through the forest were the random appearances of trees with coins, usually 2 pences, hammered into them. Apparently these money trees are examples of ‘wishing trees’ and their existence is rooted in superstition. People make offerings to the tree in the hopes that the spirits inhabiting the tree can grant them.
Have you ever added a coin to a money tree? Why? Did your wish come true?
All in all this was a pretty fantastic first experience of a real forest for the kids, and as I sit, typing, on a miserable dreary cold and wet Shetland winter’s day I’m missing the warmth of the real sun!
OTHER LAKE DISTRICT POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Appleby and Ullswater Staycation by Farmersgirl Kitchen
Grasmere Ginger Shortbread by Tin & Thyme
L’Enclume: A Little Piece of Paradise by The Foodie Couple Blog
The Hat Trick Cafe by Kavey Eats
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Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. We paid for this holiday ourselves.
Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home, for now. One eye is always on the horizon.
Aishah says
Literally just spent the last 15 minutes going through all your travel posts! I love love love England beauty and think it is something we often disregard quickly for international travel.
Thanks for sharing this! I love the lake district.
Aishah x
Jenni Tulip says
All of my favourite things in one blog post- trees, the Lakes, camping, goats and GO Ape!
Th Prodigy ant is SO cool. I was at their show in Milton Keynes 2010 so I bet it was from that.
Sounds like you had the most wonderful holiday in the Lakes
Jenni Tulip
Jonathan says
This looks like a fantastic holiday. And the chickpea and spinach dish looks delicious!
Jessica says
I miss doing this kid of adventure. Hope to do this again soon.
Idaintyit says
Stunning pictures! I love the lake district. Looks like you had a adventure full adventure!
Zoe L says
I’ve not been to the Lake District although I’ve drove through. Its somewhere I would love to go.
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
I love what you share here. I’m so glad I found this blog!
Laura says
I’ve done that Go Ape course! So much fun. I’m glad your husband and children enjoyed it.
Ickle Pickle says
We love the Lake District – I stayed there a lot as a child. I have taken my children there once, and would love to again. Beautiful photos. Kaz x
Stella says
This is so beautiful. Your pictures are truly Pinterest worthy.
Laura Hartley says
Go Ape looks like a lot of fun! I’ve done a similar thing before in France but I imagine doing this in the Lake District in the summer would be great 😀
Rachel says
I definitely need to have a few days away in the lakes, everytime I read a post about it, I want to be there x
Rebecca Smith says
Gorgeous photos, I felt like I was there myself!
Life as Mum says
Oh wow! Looks gorgeous! Stunning photos
Tori Gabriel says
This must have blown your children’s minds! From not seeing a forest to Go Ape and clockwork trees….I bet they loved it. I’m learning to drive this year and when I pass I am definitely taking my children here!
Emma White says
oh wow looks totally amazing I so want to take the kids
Sally Akins says
I’ve never been camping – love the idea of it, but I’m not convinced I’d enjoy the reality. I like my comforts too much, I think 😉 It looks like you had a fab time though, and the chocolate orange cake looks great!
Rachel says
The Lake District is one of the places in the Uk that I really do want to visit, ive seen some breathtaking views that I really want to share x
Catstello says
I’ve been meaning to go visit more places in England, this looks like it could be my first stop!
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting back to nature and actually camping properly, but I’m not a big fan – I think I look at it through rose tinted glasses! However, seeing your trip to the Lake District coupled with the glorious weather makes me think I could do it! It looks like a wonderful trip and your camp fire birthday cake looks fantastic. We’ve been to a GoApe near us and it’s brilliant isn’t it? Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Lauren (The Helpful Hiker) says
I loved this post. I’m a massive fan of the Lakes and cannot wait to head back there, especially as now we’ll have Finn with us as well. I can’t wait to camp with him and explore the area. We came across a money tree at Aira Force, quite a spectacle 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Elizabeth says
Aw thanks Lauren! I can’t wait to return again one day too. I’d like to climb a few of them. 🙂
Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault says
I was commenting only recently with a friend about how I would find it hard to live without trees. I know Shetland has a few but not enough for me. I need their rhythm. I need their height. I am definitely a tree person although, I admire them from ground level. No high tree climbing for me! #MondayEscapes
Elizabeth says
It did take me awhile to get used to the lack of trees, but then we’ve got a big beautiful sky. 🙂
Diane says
Elizabeth I loved going with you on this virtual tour of such an interesting place. A U. S. West coaster here. I’ve never heard of camping in the trees. Such a lovely trip for you and your family!
Elizabeth says
Aw thank you so very much Diane! We weren’t camping IN the trees, just the forest floor. Although camping in the trees would be amazing!
Katerina says
Beautiful rural scenes!
Elizabeth says
Thanks Katerina 🙂
The Food Hunter says
what a cool adventure!
Elizabeth says
I thought so too. 🙂
justine @ Full Belly SIsters says
Your photos are gorgeous. I found myself instantly transported!
Elizabeth says
Aw thank you Justine! So glad my story telling and photos can have that effect. 🙂
Divya Prakash says
That sounds like a great trip! I loved the idea of baking chocolate orange cake in camp fire. Bookmarking it.
Elizabeth says
Thanks Divya, it was a great trip. The orange cake worked really well too – I was really pleased with it.
Manila Spoon says
I have lived and studied in England but never ventured to the Lake District! Now next time I visit my in-laws, this will be on our list! Thank you for sharing your wonderful family adventure!
Elizabeth says
Oh you must! It’s such a stunning place. 🙂
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
What a lovely trip you must have had. I really enjoyed viewing your photos…they are absolutely stunning!
Elizabeth says
Thanks Linda 😀
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Madam, you are putting me to shame. I should do fun stuff like this with my kids.
Elizabeth says
We don’t do things like this all the time, I assure you! We had to make a special trip to the mainland for it. 🙂
Debi @ Life Currents says
I very much enjoyed this post. It was a relaxing moment in my day. I just came back in from watering my new plants, so this fits right in. I love the tree climbing, and that chickpea dish looks awesome. Thanks for sharing all of this.
Elizabeth says
Aw thanks Debi! So glad you enjoyed it.
Nicole says
This sounds like the most wonderful family holiday 🙂 Sounds like you all had an absolute blast! Nothing beats the outdoors.
Elizabeth says
We sure did. I am missing the warmth of the sun!
chloelifeunexpected says
The camping pod sounds so great!! I’d love to go to a go ape one day too. Your pictures are absolutely stunning. I miss the sunshine! I adore the money tree too. I’d love to stay somewhere like here. Thank you so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather x
Elizabeth says
Thanks Chloe, so glad you enjoyed my post. 🙂
Janette@CulinaryGinger says
Aww, this has me pining to come home for a visit. Lovely post.
Elizabeth says
Aw, when’s the last time you’ve been back?
Tara says
So secluded and wonderful, what a great adventure. My daughter would be up there in the trees for sure!!
Elizabeth says
It was a super location, just perfect, really!
Coombe Mill - Fiona says
You kept this one a secret! What a lucky break with the weather you had, I don’t know the Lakes art all well but I know they are renowned for the rain. It all sounds so idyllic from your post and I would love to take my family on a go Ape adventure, there are none near us or I would definitely do it. It all looks so beautiful, lush and green, mind you I love your little windswept island too! Thank you so much for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Elizabeth says
I think we really were lucky with the weather. It rains a lot here so we were taking a gamble going to another place that also rains a lot, but we were lucky! 🙂
Maria (one tiny leap) says
This looks fantastic! I’ve been meaning to go to the Lake District but it just hasn’t happened yet, it always seems to be booked up! The pods look wonderful, should definitely try to book one for spring 🙂
Great to have discovered your blog too, looks like I’ll be spending some time on it tonight 🙂
#MondayEscapes
Elizabeth says
Aw thanks Maria, pleased to ‘meet’ you! 😀 I’d definitely recommend a trip to the Lakes sometime. 🙂
Van (@snowintromso) says
The Lake District seems sooo beautiful!! And I’d love to visit the Go Ape park! Have been wanting to do something like this for ages!!
Elizabeth says
I’d never heard of Go Ape until I was researching things to do in the Lake District. I think it’s a fantastic venue – well worth a visit!
Brooke of Passport Couture says
LOVED reading about your experience getting into the woods and exploring nature. The Go Apes facility looks like so much fun and I’m glad there’s activities out there encouraging people to get out and explore!
Elizabeth says
Aw thanks Brooke! Thanks for visiting 😀
Jenny Eaves says
The camping pods look great! I’m very envious of your camp food, I think I need some of your recipes next time we go camping! I can’t wait until my boys are old enough for Go Ape, although I can pretty much guarantee that my eldest won’t go on it, but littlest might when he’s old enough. I loved the adult one we went on pre-kids. I’ve never seen those clockwork trees, we are definitely going to be going back to the Lake district soon, they look so much fun to play with and the trails are great too!
Thanks so much for linking up your lovely holiday in the lakes with #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Elizabeth says
I want to create more outdoor recipes. There isn’t much available out there that doesn’t require a lot of equipment or boxed foods. I’d definitely recommend Go Ape though – your kids might surprise you!
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
What an idyllic spot you found. I love this part of the Lake District. Sadly when we were last in the area a few years ago the weather wasn’t quite as good. Go Ape is fantastic fun. I haven’t done the one in the Lakes but I’d definitely like to once my girls are a bit bigger #MondayEscapes
Elizabeth says
It was a magical place, Grizedale. I’d love to return again one day.
Patter Travelers says
We love adventure parks! It looks like so much fun and I’m going to have to try the orange cake recipe. I’ve never made a cake in a fire.
Elizabeth says
Do let me know how you get on with the campfire cake! 🙂
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
The camping pods sounds great – just that little bit more shelter than a tent, but you are still properly camping.
I cannot imagine not having trees around me, it must feel quite odd.
Elizabeth says
It was a fantastic facility, the bare basics but warmer and with less faffing with tent poles! You get used to not having trees, but I do miss them.
Elizabeth says
I’ve never been camping in the UK before (or to the Lake District), but it looks beautiful! Your campfire recipes are definitely more impressive than mine! haha
Elizabeth says
It is a beautiful place, but the whole outdoor world is. 🙂
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Eek, Go Ape scares me! I bet I’d love it if I was brave enough but looking up at the platforms from the ground always seems so intimidating!
Elizabeth says
It does look a rather long way up! I’d love to go back and have a go myself one day. 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I really wanted to go on this kind of trip this year, but I didn’t get round to it. I definitely will next year though, as it looks like you all had an amazing time.
Elizabeth says
I think you’ve been rather busy on some other amazing trips instead! 😀
Roz -The Foodie Couple Blog says
it sounds like a great few days, i love the idea of a camping pod. pictures are glorious.
Elizabeth says
Thanks Roz, it was a pretty spectacular place. 🙂
Helen @ Family-Friends-Food.com says
What a great trip! It’s a few years since I’ve been to Grizedale but I’m tempted to plan a trip for the new year. My daughter would love those clockwork trees 🙂
Elizabeth says
The clockwork trees are so intriguing! A fantastic art installation. Definitely worth a visit!
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
What a fantastic trip – I haven’t come across wishing trees before, but I do love Go Ape and your photos are amazing. I have slightly wetter memories of the Lake District but it’s such a beautiful area, and a great spot for a first visit to the mainland! #mondayescapes
Elizabeth says
Thanks Cathy 🙂 So glad you enjoyed my post!
Sarah (@tamingtwins) says
What a wonderful trip Elizabeth. The light in the photos is just stunning. Lovely to relive it here on the blog I imagine. Going to find your campfire recipes to pin for when I’m brave enough to take toddlers camping..!
Elizabeth says
Thanks Sarah – it’s a magical place for sure. Do let me know how you get on with the campfire recipes!
Agata says
Wow! these camping pods look amazing! I want to go there!!!
Elizabeth says
They were pretty fantastic to stay in. Just like a tent but a little bit warmer and more spacious. 🙂
Janice says
I have been to the Lake District lots of times, as it’s only an hour away from us, but I didn’t know about that Clockwork Firest, I’d love to visit it. We went to a sculpture walk through a wood when we were in Mull in Seotember and enjoyed it very much. Lovely stories and photos, thanks for sharing a little summer on such a bleak day.
Elizabeth says
There are loads of sculptures in the forests around the area too – a fascinating installation! So glad you enjoyed my post. 🙂
Anna says
I was there for mu uni trip! Such a beautiful place! Thanks for reminding me about it! Fab photos!
Elizabeth says
Thanks Anna, so glad I reminded you of good times! 🙂