by Anna Hann
posted on 19 May 2025
The Lake District is best known for its popular tourist spots like Windermere, Scafell Pike, and Grasmere’s famous gingerbread. But beyond the well-trodden paths, the Lake District National Park hides a wilder, more secluded world. Here, waterfalls crash through ancient woodlands, natural pools shimmer halfway up forgotten fells, and eerie ruins rise when reservoir waters fall.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or swimmer or simply someone who loves a good pint with a view, the hidden gems in the Lake District promise something completely memorable and can be easily missed without a bit of insider knowledge.
So, lace up your boots, pack a towel, and get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking, tucked-away spots on your next visit to the Lakes.
Wild swimming: escape to secret waters
Wild swimming is one of the most refreshing ways to experience the Lake District National Park. Away from the busier lakeshores, you will find hidden pools, waterfalls, and secluded tarns perfect for a cool dip. Many of these spots involve a short walk, rewarding you with peaceful settings and a true sense of tranquillity.
Thirlmere infinity pool
Above the western shore of Thirlmere Reservoir in the Lake District, this natural pool is loved for its clarity and tranquillity. It is not marked on maps, but a short, steep hike leads to gorgeous views. The nearest car park is at Armboth or Steel End.
Galleny Force, Fairy Glen
Near the village of Stonethwaite in the Lake District, Galleny Force sits in the magical Fairy Glen. Surrounded by trees, mossy banks, and mountains, the plunge pools are deep enough for a refreshing swim. Park at Stonethwaite and enjoy a peaceful walk along the beck before reaching this hidden oasis.
Black Moss Pot
Found further along Langstrath Beck than Galleny Force, Black Moss Pot is a popular spot for walkers exploring the Lake District. Start from Stonethwaite village and follow the riverside trail for about two miles. Its deep, clear pool and smooth rock shelves make it a favourite for summer swims.
Waterfalls worth the walk
The Lake District is a land shaped by water, and its waterfalls are among its most spectacular natural features. Tucked into quiet valleys and hidden behind woodlands, these cascades are perfect destinations for rewarding walks.
Moss Force
Located off Newlands Pass, Moss Force is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lake District National Park. Easily accessible from Newlands Hause, it is a great place for a short walk and a bit of adventure. Top tip: the falls are particularly dramatic after heavy rainfall.
Scale Force
The tallest waterfall in the Lake District, Scale Force plunges 170 feet in a single drop. Hidden in a wooded gorge near Crummock Water, it feels otherworldly and completely serene. This hidden gem is perfect for combining with scenic walks through ancient forests, offering quiet reflection among towering trees.
Stanley Ghyll Force
Located in Eskdale, Stanley Ghyll Force drops dramatically in a lush, steep-sided gorge. It is part of a woodland restoration project for future generations in the Lake District. Bridges and footpaths now allow safer access to this spectacular hidden gem.
Ritson’s Force
Behind the Wasdale Head Inn in the Lake District, Ritson’s Force is a series of small waterfalls and clear pools tucked into the valley. It is the perfect reward after a strenuous hike up England’s highest mountain, and a beautiful spot for a picnic.
Skelwith Force
Near Skelwith Bridge in the Lake District, this lively cascade roars impressively after rain. It is an easy, flat walk suitable for children and adults alike. The walk continues onwards to Elterwater, another scenic gem of the national park.
Sour Milk Gill
Sour Milk Gill tumbles from Easedale Tarn down towards Grasmere. Park in Grasmere town and head towards Easedale Road for one of the classic Lake District walks. The views along the way capture the spirit of the Lakes perfectly.
Aira Force
Aira Force, near Ullswater, remains one of the best places for a classic waterfall experience in the Lake District. Watch how the light catches the spray on a sunny day, and enjoy the beautiful landscaped paths managed by the National Trust.
Holme Force
A hidden gem in the woods south of Loweswater, Holme Force is a challenging find tucked among steep slopes in the Lake District. The effort is well worth it for those who seek quieter, wilder scenery away from the crowds.
Whorneyside Force
Located on the way to Crinkle Crags in Great Langdale, Whorneyside Force offers a peaceful setting away from crowds and is one of the Lake District’s tucked-away gems. The surrounding landscape is pure drama.
Rutter Force
Near Appleby-in-Westmorland, Rutter Force sits beside a historic mill and offers charming walks along the Hoff Beck in the eastern Lake District.
Secret spots to explore
Beyond the famous lakes and bustling villages, the Lake District hides secret spots where visitors can enjoy its wild beauty in peace. These lesser-known locations, from ancient caves to rewilded valleys, offer a real sense of adventure and discovery.
Rydal Cave
Rydal Cave may not be considered a hidden gem, but it’s worthy of a mention. Originally a slate quarry, it’s a popular tourist spot for visitors of all ages. Located near the base of Loughrigg Fell, it is ideal for a short walk that showcases some of the Lake District’s best scenery.
Cathedral Cave
Hidden in Little Langdale, Cathedral Cave has a soaring main chamber standing about 40 feet high and a photographer’s dream.
Infinity Bridge at Honister Pass
At Honister Slate Mine, the Infinity Bridge offers one of the most thrilling guided tours in the UK and Lake District. Suspended high above the valley floor, the views here are truly exhilarating.
Ennerdale Valley
Secluded and rewilded for future generations, Ennerdale Valley has no through road, making it one of the quietest and most pristine walks in the Lake District. Definitely a hidden gem to plan for your next visit.
Black Combe Fell
Standing isolated at the southern edge of the Lake District, Black Combe offers sweeping views across to the Isle of Man, Ireland, and the surrounding national park. It is a lesser-known spot that feels a world away from busier paths.
Haweswater Reservoir
Beneath Haweswater Reservoir lie the remains of Mardale Green village, offering one of the more haunting walks in the Lake District. Visiting when the water is low is an unforgettable experience.
Ashness Bridge
Ashness Bridge is a picture-perfect spot above Derwentwater and a popular stop on many Lake District walks. Nearby Surprise View offers another incredible vista.
Dacre Castle
Standing near the village of Dacre, Dacre Castle is a privately owned 14th-century tower house and a historical gem in the Lake District that’s well worth visiting.
Mirehouse and Gardens
Located beside Bassenthwaite Lake, Mirehouse offers peaceful walks, literary connections, and gardens that children will love, all tucked away in a quieter corner of the Lake District.
Where to eat and drink
Exploring the Lake District’s hidden gems can build an appetite. Fortunately, the region is filled with cosy pubs, traditional inns, and welcoming spots where you can relax with hearty food and a local pint.
Wasdale Head Inn
Nestled among mountains like Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Kirk Fell, this lovely inn is one of the best places to eat, drink, and rest after a day exploring the Lake District. Their cosy beds offer a well-earned reward after long mountain walks.
The Drunken Duck Inn
Near Barngates, The Drunken Duck Inn offers excellent local food, real ales, and a cosy setting, perfect after a day walking the Lake District’s trails.
The Kirkstile Inn
Near Loweswater, the Kirkstile Inn serves award-winning real ales and hearty Cumbrian dishes. It is an ideal spot to recharge after enjoying nearby walks.
Eerie ruins to visit
The Lake District is full of history, and some of its most fascinating remnants are hidden beneath reservoirs or tucked away on quiet hillsides. These eerie ruins, with their crumbling stones and mysterious pasts, offer a haunting glimpse into the region’s layered story. Visiting them adds a powerful sense of time and wonder to any Lake District adventure.
Mardale Green, Haweswater
When drought lowers Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District, the remains of Mardale Green emerge, providing a fascinating glimpse into a drowned village. It is a test of nature’s power and human resilience and a hidden gem among the region’s wildest landscapes.
Dacre Castle
Even though Dacre Castle is still a private residence, its solitary presence against stormy skies gives it a haunting feel typical of the Lake District’s brooding atmosphere.
Scenic drives
Sometimes the best way to explore the Lake District’s beauty is from behind the wheel. The national park is crisscrossed by some of the most dramatic and picturesque drives in the UK, taking you over mountain passes, along glittering lakeshores, and through timeless villages.
Honister Pass
One of the Lake District’s most dramatic locations, Honister Pass climbs steeply from Borrowdale to Buttermere Valley. The twisting road offers spectacular views of rugged peaks, heather-covered hills, and slate-strewn slopes.
Kirkstone Pass
The highest pass open to vehicles in the Lake District, Kirkstone Pass connects Ambleside to Patterdale, offering breathtaking views at every turn. This memorable route is particularly impressive at sunrise or sunset, when the sun casts golden hues across the fells.
Hardknott Pass
Hardknott Pass, one of England’s steepest roads, demands full concentration but rewards drivers with staggering views across the heart of the Lake District. Linking Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, this drive is not for the faint-hearted but is perfect for those seeking a real adventure.
Getting around the Lake District
Hiring a vehicle is the best way to explore hidden gems in the Lake District. Compact SUVs offer the right balance of size, flexibility, and comfort for narrow lanes and rural tracks.
Whatever you choose, plan carefully: review your route in advance, check the latest weather forecasts, and aim to arrive early to avoid crowds at popular spots. With a little preparation, you will be ready to explore the best caves, lakes, mountains, walks, and tucked-away treasures that the Lake District National Park has to offer.
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