Aira Force and Ullswater
Aira Force is a showcase for the power and beauty of nature; it’s a place to escape the ordinary.
Aira Force and Ullswater
Overview
Aira Force is a showcase for the power and beauty of nature; it’s a place to escape the ordinary.
For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Yet, Aira Force is much more than an impressive waterfall. A network of trails weaves its way from Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit, passing towering Himalayan firs, rare red squirrels, woodland glades, picnic spots and views out across Ullswater. You can start your day in Glenridding and arrive by boat, taking in the sights of Ullswater Valley along the way, then stroll back to Glenridding through Glencoyne Park and along the lakeshore. Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel.
- Telephone
- 01768482067
- ullswater@nationaltrust.org.uk
Aira Force and Ullswater
How to get here
- Address
- near Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS
- By cycle
- NCN71, 2 miles
- Cycle route information
- By ferry
- Ullswater Steamers operate from Glenridding and run services to Aira Force.
- By bus
- from Penrith train station to Patterdale
- By train
- Penrith 10 miles
- By road
- Approach the valley via Windermere and Bowness (A591) and Ambleside (The Struggle) for a scenic drive down the steep windy Kirkstone Pass. Alternatively access the valley from Junction 40 of the M6, or from Keswick/Penrith on the A66.
- Parking: Main Aira Force Car Park, £5 for 2 hours, £7 for 4 hours, £9 all day, NT Members park for free. Glencoyne Bay, Park brow & High Cascades Car Parks: £4 for 2 hours, £5.50 for 4 hours, £6.50 all day, NT members park for free.
- SatNav:
- On foot
- Park in Glenridding or Glencoyne Bay and follow the off-road footpath to Aira Force. The Coast to Coast long distance footpath crosses the property and cuts across the country running from St Bees in the north west to Robin Hood's Bay in the north east. The Cumbria Way passes within 4 miles, with footpaths which link to Ullswater
Aira Force and Ullswater
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Aira Force and Ullswater
Opening times
Please note...
Opening times may vary during low season.
Tuesday 17 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 18 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Thursday 19 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Friday 20 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Saturday 21 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Sunday 22 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Monday 23 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
- Shop 10:30 - 16:00
- Tea-room 10:30 - 16:30
Aira Force and Ullswater
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01768482067
- ullswater@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- near Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS