Where To See Reds

Places to visit to see red squirrels are listed below.  They are divided by area under the headings of Cumbria, Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales and Devon.

Cumbria

Allan Bank, Grasmere, Cumbria (National Trust)

Forestry Commission Whinlatter Forest Park, Keswick

  • Parking at NY208245 (Pay and Display) Visitor Centre and Tearoom
  • Whinlatter Red Squirrel Experience in the visitor centre with CCTV link to Red Squirrel Feeder
  • Red Squirrels can also be seen within the forest on any of the forest walks: try the new Squirrel Scurry Trail (maps available from the visitor centre)

Forestry Commission Dodd Wood Keswick

  • Parking at NY235281 (Pay and Display) adjacent to the Old Sawmill Tearoom
  • Take the path uphill along the southern side of the stream and follow straight on at all junctions to the Osprey Viewpoint. Red Squirrels are seen on the bird feeders just below the viewing platform

Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Footpath

  • Parking at either Keswick Spa NY270238 or Threlkeld NY 315247 (roadside verges)
  • Red Squirrel feeders at the Threlkeld end of the footpath but squirrels present in woodland along the length of the footpath

Greystoke Forest, Penrith

  • Parking at NY403347
  • Various forest walks through the forest

Oakhurst Garden Centre Lamplugh Road, Cockermouth

  • Has squirrels present on feeders, squirrel supplies, tea room nearby

Thortergill Forge & Tearooms

  • Hidden near the village of Garrigill a beautiful waterfall & working forge with red squirrel feeders

Askham Village & Lowther Estate, near Penrith

  • Parking near Askham Church NY518238
  • Public footpaths alongside River Lowther

Aira Force, Ullswater (National Trust)

  • NY400200 (Pay and Display) Woodland Walk

The Beacon, Penrith

  • NY521310 (on street parking) Woodland Walk. Postcode approx. CA11

 Great Wood, Keswick (National Trust)

  • NY271214 (Pay and Display) Woodland Walk

Brandlehow Park,  Keswick (National Trust)

  • NY249194 (roadside verges)

Thirlmere Reservoir – Woodland Walk 

  • NY320150 – numerous car parks and Forest Walks on western side of reservoir

Buttermere

  • NY175170 Car park in village. Woodland Walk around lake

Holme Wood, Loweswater

  • NY133210 Car parking, public footpath to woodland

Ennerdale Forest

  • NY110154 Car parking, woodland walks

Wasdale

  • NY144044 (roadside parking) Woodland walks near to YHA

Squirrels’ Pantry, Cockermouth

If you are ever in the Cockermouth area and like watching red squirrels whilst having a tasty lunchtime snack or afternoon tea, why not visit Squirrel’s Pantry? The people at Squirrel’s Pantry feed and look after the squirrels and are dedicated to maintaining their existence in the area. Please note that this is part of the Oakhurst Garden Centre.

Northumberland

Allen Banks National Trust (NY798640)

A very large forest and red squirrels elusive to spot, though they are there. An amazing forest nevertheless. Charged NT Parking at the entrance for non-members.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allen-banks-and-staward-gorge

Cragside National Trust (NU070025)

A very large forest and red squirrels elusive to spot. Charged NT Parking at the entrance for non-members.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

Hareshaw Linn – Northumberland National Park (NY840834)

Reds present in wood and you may have a chance sighting. Parking is at the entrance to the reserve.

https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/things-to-do/get-active-outdoors/walking/walking-routes/hareshaw-linn-walk/

Hauxley Reserve – Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NU 285 023)

Reds often come to the feeder adjacent to the car park. A reserve worth visiting for the general wildlife too.

https://www.nwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hauxley

Howick Hall Gardens & Aboretum Alnwick (NU248175)

Approximately 11,000 trees and shrubs in 65 acres of woodland with red squirrels too. See link for parking/pricing details.

https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.php

Kielder Castle Kielder (NY634934)

Red Squirrel World Information Room in Castle and dedicated hide (NY63379363). Reds occasionally visit feeders adjacent to the Castle tea room. Forestry Commission parking fee applies. Worth a visit.

https://www.forestryengland.uk/kielder-castle

Kielder Waterside – Northumbria Water (NY664877)

Reds regularly come to the waterside hide for feed. Parking is designated nearby at the Waterside Park.

https://www.kielderwaterside.com/

Kidland – Forestry Commission (NT906120)

A very large forest though red squirrels elusive to spot. It is one of the longest monitored sites for red squirrels in the county, showing a constant presence.

Parking in Alwinton village NT919063

Kyloe Forest (NU053381)

A very large forest and red squirrels elusive to spot. One of the most diverse conifer tree species collections in the county and impressive to visit.

Parking National Trust car park for St Cuthbert’s Cave, TD15 2UJ

Rothbury – Thrunton Woods – Forestry Commission (NU085097)

Plantation with trails for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders

https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/countryside/thrunton-woods
eng-nee-rothbury-walks.pdf

Wallington National Trust (NZ028842)

Reds often (normally early morning) come to the bird hide feeders in the gardens. A full-time ranger looks after the local red population. Charged NT Parking is at the entrance.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Wooler – Commonburn/Peter’s Field Forestry Commission (NT076272)

Walk from the Forestry Commission car park around the pond. Reds can be seen in the surrounding woodland.

Yorkshire Dales

Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail, Widdale, Wensleydale

Devon

East Devon

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