In this guest post, Sally Fielding, owner of family-run Sally’s Cottages, shares some of her favourite, and less known, places in the Lake District in Cumbria.
Middle Row Cottage
I’ve lived in the Lake District my whole life and I’ve discovered some truly memorable places. Many of these aren’t mentioned in guidebooks and even frequent Lake District travellers may not have heard of them.
Everyone at Sally’s Cottages knows Cumbria inside and out and we are always telling visitors the best places to go and stay depending on what experience or holiday they are after. We have a team of explorers here and we love to travel and find the new.
I’m going to share my top 5 Lake District treasures with you here. The secret is out!
One of my favourite places is Fairy Glen in Borrowdale. The waterfall is so picturesque and there is a beautiful mix of shallow and deep pools to explore – you can even have a quick dip. The Lakeland water here is clear, fresh and a stunning mix of blue and green colours.
Fairy Glen
Spout Force is another secluded location and the spectacular Spout Force waterfall can be reached by a path through the forest – just follow the sound of the water echoing through the trees and you’ll find it. There is a viewing platform to marvel the waterfall in action.
Spout Force – photo by Ann Barker
The Newlands Valley has miles and miles of empty fells and open countryside and is one of the quietest areas in the Lake District. If you want to go walking across remote terrain, try the ten mile round trip around the valley’s main summits including Catbells. It’s a challenging trek but well worth the effort.
Newlands Valley – photo by Peter Henry
One of the most beautiful lakes is Loweswater and very few visitors seem to visit this peaceful place. Surrounded by quiet fells and unspoilt forest this is one of my most recommended destinations.
Loweswater
My final hidden gem is a beautiful cave just outside Ambleside. The large cave is on the side of a fell called Loughrigg and is one of the most undiscovered natural caves in Lakeland. After a short walk and climb to the top of the fell you can also see panoramic views across Rydal Water and the glorious Cumbria landscape.
Rydal Cave – photo by Zoe Dawes
Sally’s Cottages, Cumbria has over 280 holiday cottages throughout the Lake District and Cumbria and many of our properties are also pet-friendly.
Cherry Tree Cottage
We love the Lake District and we want to share this love with anyone wanting to spend time here. We can recommend the best places to go and will find you the perfect cottage to suit all your needs. We offer both short breaks and full week stays. Visit our website Sally’s Cottages or come to our friendly office in Keswick.
Always good to read about more places to visit in the Lake District and Cumbria and these are great suggestions from Sally. And even better to take a few days and stay in this beautiful part of the UK>
Another favourite to add is Ravenglass just up from Muncaster Castle. Attractive little coastal village with its own Roman Bath and the very quirky L’al Ratty Railway starts from here.
I remember that cave. Uncle Graeme told me the dragon was in the corner and I saw its eyes!
Yes, those were the days when you saw dragons flying across the night sky with their red eyes winking back at us 😉 Last time I was up at Rydal Cave there was orange tape across the entrance as there had been a rockfall. Hope it opens up again – magical place.
Great tips – thanks! Born and bred in Cumbria and never been to any of these. Shameful… Will put them on the list for this summer!
Glad to be of service Katie – sure Sally will be pleased to hear this! Cumbria is such a large and diverse county I reckon you could live there 3 life-times and still only have scratched the surface of wonderful things to see and do 🙂
This is really a fabulous work to explore these marvelous and eye attracting natural scenes. Great photography and travel guide. Thanks for all this
Cheers Hannah – there are so many places in the Lake District that are off the main tourist track and these are very special ones.
Hi, thanks for the very informative Pin.
I’m disabled severely now so can’t climb at al.
I’m so glad that I’ve spent many great days exploring when I could walk more. I’ve always tried to go off the beaten track (driving!) I’ve worn out two Ordinance Survey maps over the years.
I love Ullswater and Derwent water best. You can at least get around the second in a wheelchair.My son now tries to go once a year with his 3daughters the eldest loved paddling in Derwent Water.
I will be in touch as we would like a week away
We would need 4adult rooms.
Delighted to hear that the Lakes is becoming more accessible Joy 🙂 I hope you return someday very soon. I don’t organise trips; there are many places that can help you with that including Cumbria Tourism site https://www.visitlakedistrict.com – hope this helps.
Another plug for Ravenglass. Also Wastwater, beautiful lake, stunning/classic mountains at end (Yewbarrow, Great Gable, Scafell Pike and Scafell). Brooding Screes across lake. Hotel and lovely church at Wasdale Head. (Biased a bit as my wife’s ashes are scattered in lake).
Hear hear, thanks for your suggestions Simon! And what a lovely place to scatter your wife’s ashes 🙂