Attractions include extensive mountain bike trails and one of the Go Ape company's tree-top adventure courses.[2] The forest is still notable for its sculptures. It used to be the home of Grizedale Arts, a contemporary arts residency and commissioning agency.
Grizedale is the location of the former Grizedale Hall – a forty-room mansion that was demolished in 1957.[3] Before and after World War II, it was owned by the Forestry Commission. During the war, it was commandeered by the War Office and became officially known as No 1 POW Camp (Officers) Grizedale Hall, to hold German officer prisoners of war.[4] As many of these were rescued survivors from sunken U-boats, it also became known as the "U-Boat Hotel".[4] The fighter pilot Franz von Werra was initially held there, and also made one of the many escape attempts for which he is known.[4] Another well-known prisoner was Otto Kretschmer, Germany's most successful U-boat captain until his capture.
An interactive woodland nature trail themed around the children's book Zog was installed at Grizedale in 2019.[5]
.jpg)
