Where to see red squirrels in the Lake District

The red squirrel is an icon of the British Isles. Its particular link with the Lake District is partly thanks to the national park being one of the last reserves of the elusive creature, and partly thanks to Beatrix Potter’s immortalisation in her children’s book, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.

Though in sharp decline across the UK due to the introduction of invasive grey squirrels, red squirrels can still be found across the Lake District and Cumbria. You’ll have to keep a sharp eye, though, as the shy animal is fond of leafy canopies and shady woodland. That, and the limited numbers, mean they can be hard to spot. To improve your chances, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District. For more animal inspiration, read our guide to the wildlife that can be spotted around the Lake District. 

If you simply can’t get enough of sightings, red squirrels can be spotted in and around a number of our holiday cottages. Browse our full range of Lake District cottages and enjoy sitting in the garden while looking out for a visitor or two.

Skip to:

• The 10 best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District
• More locations of red squirrels in Cumbria
• Red squirrel FAQs
• Map of where to see red squirrels

The best 10 places to see red squirrels in the Lake District

We have compiled the top ten Lake District locations to head to if you want to see red squirrels thriving in their natural environment.

Whinlatter Forest

Whinlatter Forest has always been one of the top places to spot red squirrels in the Lake District, and you’re more likely to see them here than in almost any other location in Cumbria. Covering over 1,000 hectares, there’s plenty of space for groups of squirrels to live and play, but they’re often kind enough to frolic around the visitor centre, so are reasonably easy to spot. Look out for special Wow Trail guided walks, which guide you around the forest and highlight the best places to catch a glimpse of a squirrel or two.

Dodd Wood

Across the lake from Whinlatter is another, smaller woodland: Dodd Wood. At the foot of Skiddaw, this pine tree forest is known for some excellent wildlife spotting, including rare ospreys and, of course, the elusive red squirrel. In fact, they’re not as elusive here as they are in other locations! Head up to the viewing point and, while admiring the panorama, you’re likely to see a flash of red as squirrels make use of the handy feeders close by.

Holme Wood

The wooded valley that surrounds Loweswater is the perfect home for red squirrels. A Miles without Stiles route through Holme Wood provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the ancient woodland setting whilst looking out for squirrels. If you can manage it, steeper paths up the fell open up more woodland to explore, and therefore offer more opportunity for squirrel spotting. 

Buttermere

There are several woodlands around Buttermere, so opportunities abound to see red squirrels on the popular circular route around the lake. Park at the National Trust car park and look around at the surrounding trees while you tie your boots – squirrels can often be seen jumping through nearby trees. When you start the walk from Buttermere, you’ll pass under a number of canopies where squirrels are known to play. 

Grizedale Forest

As the largest woodland in Cumbria, Grizedale Forest offers a wonderful opportunity for seeing the Lake District’s beloved red squirrels. Though you may be distracted by the many art installations that are dotted around this forest, cast your eyes slightly higher and look to the treetops for a flash of a bushy red tail. Visitors are encouraged to report any red squirrel sightings at the Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre and while you are there you can stop for refreshments at Café Ambio. 

Lowther Castle and Gardens

The Lowther Estate is vast, and includes 1,700 acres of woodland, so you’ll have to pick the right place to spot squirrels. If you head to the main attraction of the Lowther Estate – the castle and gardens – you can enjoy a very pleasant day at a popular attraction while also hoping to see some activity. There are lots of tall, mature trees where red squirrels love to hide so bring some squirrel feed with you to try and coax them out. After you’ve been on a wildlife walk, treat the kids to some time at the brilliant adventure playground at Lowther Castle which is one of the biggest and best in the UK.

Great Wood, Keswick

If your first introduction to red squirrels was through Beatrix Potter’s wonderful tale of a cheeky chap, then it will be extra special for you to catch a glimpse at Great Wood in Keswick. Those who remember the story of Squirrel Nutkin may recollect the characters sailing across a lake on little rafts. The lake in the story was Derwentwater and Great Wood sits on its shores. Though we don’t think you’ll see any sailing squirrels, there’s a good chance you’ll notice them in their more natural habitat in the trees. The Keswick Red Squirrel Group monitors red squirrels in the area so please help out by reporting any that you see to them. 

Thirlmere

Thirlmere is often overlooked because it sits between some of the most popular lakes in the national park – Derwentwater, Grasmere and Windermere. But squirrel-seekers may want to take a moment to explore the woods around this wild reservoir, which are home to a multitude of wildlife. Find a quiet spot on the shore or enjoy a walk in the hillside woodland. If you’re driving by, watch your speed and look out for squirrels crossing the road.

Ennerdale Forest

Ennerdale Forest is a haven of peace and tranquillity and the perfect place to enjoy the natural Cumbrian landscape at its best. As one of the most remote valleys in Cumbria, it’s no surprise that the Ennerdale Valley is a real red squirrel sanctuary, with up to 150 estimated to live there. They’re most prolific at the western end of the valley so look out for stripped pinecones – a sure sign that some sharp teeth have been working on them recently! There are four different walking trails around the forest and regular foraging courses are also available.

Aira Force

Aira Force has always been one of the most popular places in the Lake District thanks to the stunning waterfalls that tumble down into Ullswater. But the river is also surrounded by spectacular woodland where – you guessed it – red squirrels can often be seen freely roaming or even hopping across the water. Aire Force is also easy to get to as there is a National Trust car park at the bottom and Ullswater Steamers sailing to the waterfall from Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.

More locations of red squirrels in Cumbria

Although we’ve described some of the best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District, there are lots more Cumbrian locations where you can see them in the wild. Red squirrel populations are low, but there are a surprising number of places where you might spot a bushy tale flicking between the leaves or hear the gentle click-click of scuttling up a tree trunk. 

Red squirrel FAQs

What is the difference between red and grey squirrels?

Despite the name, red and grey squirrels aren’t always those colours and so you can’t rely on hue alone to identify them. Red squirrels are smaller and have tufts of hair on top of their ears. The bigger grey squirrel has rounded ears and a white halo around its tail.

What do red squirrels eat?

Pine seeds are a particular favourite, which is why you will often find these creatures living in conifer forests. They will also eat hazelnuts, larch and spruce seeds, fruit, tree shoots, bark, lichen and funghi. On very rare occasions, they have been known to eat young birds and bird eggs. 

Why are red squirrels endangered?

Grey squirrels have caused a severe reduction in red squirrel populations over the years since they were introduced to the UK from America. Not only do they outcompete reds for food, they also carry squirrel pox, which doesn’t affect them but which is deadly to the native reds. 

When is the best time to see red squirrels?

Though active all year round, squirrels are more easily seen during the evening and early morning through autumn, when there is less leaf cover for them to hide behind.

Do red squirrels hibernate?

Red squirrels don’t hibernate and are active all year round, though less so during winter. They store food throughout the summer in underground caches, which they use in the colder months. Because of the cold, squirrels may spend several days in their dreys to keep warm.

Where do red squirrels live?

Red squirrels tend to live in coniferous forests and deciduous woodland across Europe and Northern Asia. In the UK, it is estimated that 75% of the population is found in Scotland, with pockets in areas such as the Lake District and Isle of Wight. 

Why are red squirrels important?

Apart from being adorable to look at, red squirrels play an important role in the regeneration of pine woodlands. Due to their habit of burying caches of seeds and sometimes forgetting about them, they help with the growth of new plants.

Map of where to see red squirrels in the Lake District

This handy map shows you all the best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District

Plan your Lake District getaway

Armed with all this handy information and a good pair of binoculars, it’s time to plan your Lake District trip to see some red squirrels. You might even be lucky enough to spot them from your garden, as can be the case at Red Squirrel Den in Ullswater!

Take a look at our cottages in the Lake District to find your perfect place to stay for a holiday full of walking, wildlife and native red squirrels.