Hidden Gems Of The Lake District National Park

Bridge House, Ambleside

In the centre of Ambleside, but often overlooked as people are drawn towards the Lake and town centre. This quirky building is a remnant from the 17^th Century and unbelievably, was once home to a family of eight people. Definitely worth checking out on your next visit to the Lake District.

Cathedral Cavern, Little Langdale

Once a working quarry, this cavern is named after its main chamber, which stands at over 40 feet high. Beams of light come in through the hole in the wall of the cave, giving it the appearance of a Cathedral. It should be part of any day-walk in the Langdale area of the Lake District.

Ennerdale Valley, Western Lakes

One of the most secluded, serene and quiet places in the whole of the UK. This Lake District hidden gem sits on the western edge of the national park and is home to Ennerdale Water and some of the park’s largest peaks, including the mighty Pillar Rock. It’s so far off the normal ‘beaten track’ that you could find yourself completely alone.

Black Combe Fell

This fell stands isolated along the west coast of Cumbria. It is often overlooked for the more popular national park mountains such as Bowfell, Great Gable or Scafell Pike. However, you are in for a true treat with the view from this fell. Because of it’s positioning along the coast, you can see right across the Irish Sea, across the full national park, Scotland and if the day is bright enough, you can see 14 counties across England! Special.

Haweswater Reservoir

Down in the basin of the big eastern fells, you could be forgiven for thinking this giant reservoir was a natural lake as it sits in the basin of the big eastern fells.

You can hike to Haweswater from Ullswater, or you can arrive by road. The scenery here is an echo of wild Canada and was home to England’s last Golden Eagle. If you also catch this area on a summers day, you might see something piercing the surface of the low water. In 1930 there was a village on the bed of the lake that was demolished to make way for the reservoir, it was called Mardale. When the water level drops low enough, you can see the remains of the village.

Wild Swimming

One of the more overlooked activities in the Lake District and certainly a unique hidden gem to the area. You can swim in most of the lakes across the national park and it is an experience of the life-time. If you enjoy swimming, then doing it amongst the mountains is something you need to experience. Whilst best experienced on a warm day, it’s important to enter slowly as your body adjusts to the temperature shift. But once you’re in, you won’t want to get out!