The Lake District National Park draws millions of visitors each year to its well-known attractions like Lake Windermere, Scafell Pike, and the charming town of Keswick. But beyond these popular destinations lies a treasure trove of hidden gems that offer equally spectacular experiences with far fewer crowds.
Secret Tarns and Lakes
While Windermere and Ullswater attract the masses, consider visiting these lesser-known bodies of water for a more peaceful experience:
- Blea Tarn - Located between Great Langdale and Little Langdale, this small tarn offers magnificent views of the Langdale Pikes reflected in its mirror-like waters, especially at dawn.
- Loweswater - One of the smallest lakes in the region, Loweswater offers a tranquil circular walk through woodlands with stunning views, yet remains remarkably uncrowded even in peak season.
- Easedale Tarn - A picturesque upland tarn accessible via a moderate walk from Grasmere village, offering a perfect picnic spot far from the tourist trail.
Lesser-Known Hiking Trails
Venture beyond the well-trodden paths to discover these remarkable trails:
The Coffin Route - This historic path between Ambleside and Grasmere was once used to transport coffins to St Oswald's Church. Today, it offers an easy, scenic walk with cultural significance and beautiful views across Rydal Water.
Haystacks - Despite being the favorite fell of famous Lake District guide writer Alfred Wainwright, Haystacks remains relatively quiet compared to more famous peaks. The summit features a series of rocky knolls and small tarns, creating an otherworldly landscape.
Castle Crag - The smallest of Wainwright's fells at just 951 feet, what Castle Crag lacks in height it makes up for in character. This dramatic little peak in Borrowdale offers exceptional views for minimal effort, plus interesting industrial history with its former slate quarries.
Hidden Villages and Hamlets
While Ambleside, Keswick, and Bowness bustle with tourists, these quieter settlements offer authentic Lake District charm:
- Little Langdale - This tiny hamlet features traditional stone cottages, the historic Three Shires Inn, and proximity to Cathedral Cave, a former slate mine that now resembles a magnificent underground cathedral.
- Troutbeck - Despite being just a few miles from busy Windermere, this linear village with its 17th-century farm buildings and delightful tea gardens seems from another time.
- Watendlath - This isolated hamlet tucked between Borrowdale and Thirlmere feels like stepping into a storybook with its picturesque tarn, stone bridge, and working farm.
Cultural Treasures
Look beyond the major attractions to find these cultural gems:
Wast Water Screes - The imposing scree slopes that plunge dramatically into England's deepest lake create a landscape of sublime beauty and isolation that photography rarely captures adequately. The single-track road to Wasdale Head ensures this area remains relatively quiet.
Lowther Castle - On the park's eastern edge, the atmospheric ruins of this 19th-century castle and its gradually being restored gardens offer a fascinating day out away from the central Lakes.
Long Meg and Her Daughters - Just outside the national park near Penrith lies this impressive Bronze Age stone circle, the third largest in England yet visited by a fraction of tourists who come to the Lake District.
When to Visit
To truly experience these hidden gems at their most serene, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late April to June or September to October. The weather is often still pleasant, the landscapes vibrant with seasonal colors, and you'll have many of these special places almost entirely to yourself.
Responsible Tourism
As you explore these lesser-known treasures, please remember to follow the countryside code: leave no trace, respect wildlife and livestock, stick to paths to prevent erosion, and support local businesses. By treading lightly, we can help preserve the magic of these hidden gems for generations to come.
