In April May and June this year, we are lucky enough to have several Bank Holiday weekends to look forward to.. Inevitably, summer Bank Holidays mean beauty spots such as the Lake District often fill up with families looking to enjoy the holidays. If crowded places aren’t for you, we’ve put together a list of quieter, Lake District hidden gems to visit and escape the crowds during the upcoming holidays…

Haweswater

Haweswater is the most easterly lake in the National Park and has few surrounding amenities, giving the area a wild, remote feel. This area was once so quiet, it was home to Golden Eagles. Unfortunately, it is believed England’s last of these remarkable birds died in 2016, marking the end of an era for Haweswater. Although you won’t spot any eagles, the area is still a quiet, picturesque place to escape to and is surrounded by stunning walks including Harter Fell, High Street and Haweswater lakeside trail. During summertime, if it is particularly warm, the valley reveals its own hidden village beneath the surface of the water. In 1930, Mardale village was demolished and flooded to make way for the reservoir. When the water levels drop low enough, remains of the village are uncovered.

Rydal Hall: The Grot and Waterfall

Rydal Hall is a beautiful 17th century mansion surrounded by acres of formal Edwardian gardens designed by famous landscape architect Thomas Mawson. There’s plenty to explore at Rydal Hall and people are often unaware of the hidden gem that hides beneath the aptly named Quiet Garden… A stone path leads you through woodland, down to the riverside and through a tunnel, eventually revealing a quaint stone building known as the ‘Grot’ which perfectly overlooks a stunning little waterfall. The building was originally built in 1668 as a viewing station for the Rydal waterfalls and is thought to be one of Britain’s earliest known viewing stations. The Grot was also a beloved place of William Wordsworth who was a frequent visitor here.

Rannerdale Valley

Known as the ‘secret valley’, Rannerdale is remotely situated between Buttermere and Crummock Water and is often overlooked for its neighbours. If you visit the valley at springtime, you will see the stunning Rannerdale Bluebells which carpet the valley floor, displaying blue and purples hues which are renowned as a natural wonder. Head to the top of Rannerdale Knotts for a stunning view over the valley, surrounding lakes and peaks.

Langstrath Valley

A remote, unspoilt valley near Borrowdale, Langstrath valley is filled with beautiful, secluded walks and hidden fairy pools. Black Moss Pot is nestled within the valley surrounded by rugged fells, boasting crystal clear turquoise waters ideal for a summer wild swim! If swimming isn’t your thing, the surrounding crags make an idyllic picnic spot, alongside the banks and little rapids of Langstrath Beck.

Derwentwater Islands

Despite Derwentwater being a busy lake on its shores near popular spots such as Keswick, seclusion can be found by heading to the lakes two accessible islands.

For a day of adventure away from the crowds on the shores, pack a picnic and hire a kayak, canoe or boat from Derwetwater Marina or Nichol End Marine (or, of course take your own!) and head for the islands!

Please note the National Trust are asking visitors not to land on Lords Island to protect to the nesting wildlife and Derwent Island is the only inhabited island on the lake and is strictly private.

St Herbert’s is the largest accessible islands and is named after the saint who introduced Christianity to the area in 685 AD. St Herbet used the island as his hermitage; his cell is hidden on the island amongst the undergrowth and can be found if you look well enough!
Rampsholme Island is named after the wild garlic that grows on the island, deriving from the Old Norse ‘Hrafns holmr’ that translates to ‘wild garlic island.’ Except from being formerly part of the late Earl of Derwent Water’s estate, not much has happened on Rampsholme Island making it likely to be the most untouched of all the islands.

Stagshaw Garden

Just a short walk from Ambleside, nestled away at the bottom of Skelghyll Woods, hides the tranquil Stagshaw Garden. For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Lakeland towns, the informal woodland garden offers forest paths weaving through enchanted trees, flowers and shrubs providing a calm haven perfect for quiet walks and picnics.

Lake District hidden gems to escape to on Bank Holiday Weekends