Aira Force

About

An 18th century pleasure ground, Aira Force was the backdrop for Wordsworth’s ‘Somnambulist’ - a gothic tale of love and tragedy. Weave your way through a network of woodland trails, through a landscape that contrasts quiet glades with the drama of waterfalls, to where Aira Beck thunders in one 65-foot drop past fern and rock into the pool below. Continuing up to Gowbarrow summit offers panoramic views over Ullswater. Starting your day in Glenridding and arriving at Aira Force by boat is a great chance to take in the sights of the Ullswater valley, strolling back along the lakeshore. Look out for red squirrels, explore the natural play area, picnic and paddle at Aira Green, canoe at Glencoyne Bay, follow the tree trail through the 19th century Pinetum. Arrive early for your best chance of seeing a red squirrel.

Access to the waterfall viewing platforms is currently closed due to a tree fall. Even though you can’t get as close to the waterfall as usual we have been working to keep the foliage cut back so you can enjoy the best possible view from the other footpaths.

Aira Force Tearoom

A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. With indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing cold drinks, here’s what you can enjoy in the tea-room.

A morning coffee with a view. The terrace is built at the front of the tea-room to make the most of those stunning views over Ullswater Lake and the fells behind so that you can sit back in the sunshine, sip your coffee and take it all in.

Some great picnic spots. Whether you want to roll out your rug down by the lake or find a seat at one of the picnic tables, there are some beautiful spots around Aira Force to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. Bring your own or head to the tea-room for a choice of freshly made sandwiches, cakes, fruit and bottled drinks, as well as snacks for the kids. 

Fun for the kids. Just outside the tea-room there’s some great fun to be had hopping between tree stumps and running over logs in the natural play area.

Dogs are welcome. The Aira Force tea-room is dog friendly inside and out. Please keep your dog on a lead and under control. We’ve got dog bowls so that your pooch can keep hydrated whatever the weather.

Find out more about Aira Force: Aira Force and Ullswater | National Trust