Experience magic at this Lake District hidden gem, home to a picturesque waterfall and a fairytale-like stone hut. This serene spot is surrounded by mountains and forests that create an escape from reality.
Visit the mysterious Lacy’s Caves, a series of man-made chambers carved into the cliffs along the River Eden. This mystical site blends natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
The mysterious stone circle of Castlerigg is a place that will intrigue even the most well-versed in ancient history. It’s a circle of 38 stones that sit in a natural amphitheatre of Lakeland mountains and no one knows for sure why it was built or by whom. There are theories ranging from an astronomical observatory to a spot where early Neolithic communities exchanged stone axes in a sort of ritualistic swap meet but, as with many other circles, the exact reason for its construction is largely a matter of conjecture.
It’s a visually stunning site and is visited every year by thousands of visitors who come to look, photograph or draw the monument. The setting is so vivid that it’s no wonder that Castlerigg inspired the poet and artist of 19th-century Romanticism, John Keats.
It’s traditional, as with many other stone circles in Britain, to say that it’s impossible to count the number of stones within the circle; different people will always come up with a different figure. However, it’s worth noting that a small pack of smaller stones, which were used as packing material between larger stones when the circle was originally constructed, has ‘appeared’ next to some of the larger standing ones so it may be a bit tricky to work out exactly how many there actually are.
Lacy’s Caves
When Colonel Lacy set about improving his country estate in the 18th Century he commissioned a series of caves to be carved into a cliff overlooking the River Eden. It is thought he was inspired by similar caves at Wetherall, further upstream on the River. There are five caves in total, each with a different view of the river and interesting arches. The walls inside are dark with graffiti etched on them and if you use your camera flash it highlights the shadows and shapes that create these strange and curious archways.
Originally Colonel Lacy had these caves planted with ornamental rhododendrons to give them an authentic hermit’s village feel for his guests who visited Salkeld Hall. It is thought he also employed someone to live in the caves for reasons that sound a little eccentric to us.
To reach the caves you must walk along footpaths from the village of Little Salkeld, a short distance east of Penrith. They can be found on a popular and scenic circular walk that also includes Long Meg stone circle. Alternatively, you can take the Whitewater Hotel Cumbria railway to Lazonby and then walk from there. A bus service also runs from nearby Penrith to Little Salkeld.
Grange-over-Sands
Grange-over-Sands is a peaceful town that combines natural beauty, relaxation and old-fashioned friendliness with modern comforts. Here you can find everything from picturesque views to tasty treats and a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the promenade or spend your days shopping and exploring the town, there’s plenty to see and do in Grange-over-Sands.
The town only really began to develop as a seaside resort in the Victorian era, with the arrival of the Ulverston and Lancaster Railway in 1857. This allowed the town to grow as a popular destination for hotels and health related hydropathic establishments. Piers were also built on the beach, which increased the flow of “cheap trippers” from nearby Morecambe.
Today, Grange-over-Sands is known for its scenic promenade, which offers panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and is ideal for walking and birdwatching. The area is also home to several independent shops and cafes. It’s a great place to visit for a day or to spend the weekend. You can also go on the renowned Cross Bay Walks, which take you across Morecambe Bay and are led by expert local guides. Lothlorien Holiday Cottage is the perfect base for this unique experience.
Lowther Castle
When you visit Lowther Castle, you’ll discover 130 acres of gardens old and new and a vivid historical exhibition spanning 850 years. It’s a place that’s truly a hidden gem in Westmorland and Furness, offering a delightful combination of architecture, horticulture, and family fun.
In the early 19th century the 1st Earl of Lonsdale rebuilt Lowther Hall, now known as the castle ruins that stand today. The new building reflected his position as a Victorian gentleman, counting William Pitt and William Wilberforce among his friends.
After the death of the earl, the castle was left to ruin as financial difficulties set in. During World War II the site was sequestered for tank training and by the 1950s the gardens were overgrown with concrete from the army’s use of the property.
The garden has since been redesigned by Dan Pearson and now features a rose garden with clipped hornbeam sentinels that mirror the castle’s architecture. In addition, a timbre structure known as the Lost Castle is one of the largest wooden adventure playgrounds in the country. The play structure is an architectural echo of the castle itself and features ramps, steps, walkways, and turrets for families to explore.
Eskdale Railway
Aboard the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – affectionately known as ‘Ratty’ – you will embark on one of Wainwrights favourite journeys across seven miles of spectacular Lake District scenery, within sight of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range.
The railway’s fleet of heritage steam and diesel locomotives transport passengers from the quaint coastal village of Ravenglass, which is uniquely located in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, through the Eskdale Valley. The single-line railway is operated by volunteers and has a number of open and saloon carriages with both open and covered seating available.
A visit to the on-site railway museum is a must; it has recently been refurbished with a Heritage Lottery grant and boasts a wealth of relics including steam locomotives, carriages, tickets and models. A copy of Wainwright’s ’Walks from Ratty’ can also be purchased at the station, which describes walks that can be enjoyed from stops along the railway line.
Spring is a great time to visit as the remote Eskdale valley fills with spritely new born lambs and blooming flowers. Summer is naturally the most popular time with warm weather, longer days and bank holiday weekends encouraging visitors to take a trip on the train.
Fairy Steps
The Fairy Steps is a narrow limestone staircase on a former corpse trail near Beetham in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. The cleft in the limestone rock is only about one foot wide and legend has it that if you can descend without touching the sides, the local fairies will grant your wish. This is harder than it sounds as the rocks on either side of the gully are a good height away from the steps and are very uneven underfoot. Unless you are the Statue of Liberty you are unlikely to make it down and back up again in one piece so be careful!
This enchanting walk includes some climbing up and down the narrow passageway as well as some lovely woodland walking. It is around a 2 mile round trip and a great day out for families or couples looking for an interesting and different hiking experience. The route we took is found in Cicerone’s Walking in the Lake District (Walk 63) and begins at Heron Corn Mill in Beetham.
As a bonus, along the Rahway Trail you will find delicate fairy houses made out of branches, roots and dried fungi. These special additions to the path have been a delight for people of all ages to discover and enjoy for years.
Hidden Garden
The South Lakes area is a stunning blend of serene lakes, rugged hills, and quaint villages. But it’s not just a destination for nature lovers; the region has a rich cultural heritage that offers something for everyone. The Lake District has been a muse for generations of poets and writers, and it continues to inspire today.
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of nature than at a secret garden. The tranquil environment provides a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, a stroll through these green wonders can be calming for your soul.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a spot where you can enjoy a bite of pizza, you’ll find it in one of these hidden gems. These gardens have something to offer every kind of traveler, from locals to visitors.
The next time you’re in New York, look for these 13 hidden gems to experience a bit of peace and quiet. From the High Line to Central Park, these spots are perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying some flora.
