The Best places to visit in the Lake District without the crowds

As one of the most breath-takingly beautiful regions in the country, it is no surprise that the Lake District attracts around 15.8 million visitors each year. With so many visitors, both day-trippers and holidaymakers, the most popular spots in this National Park can feel a little too busy. However, there are some Lake District tourist attractions and places to see in the Lake District that aren’t always full of crowds. So, if you’re looking for some hidden gems, add to your itinerary:

Best places to go in the Lake District without the crowds:

 1. Caldbeck

Caldbeck is a quaint and traditional fell village featuring a holy spring, old mill buildings and St Kentigern’s Church, which is the resting place for famous huntsman John Peel and Mary Harrison, known as the Maid of Buttermere, tricked into a bigamous marriage. Caldbeck offers beautiful walks, including part of the Cumbrian Way to Keswick.

The Caldbeck Fells are home to many mineral sites ideal for crystal hunting, while nearby Bowscale Tarn is a perfect hidden gem for some wild swimming.

 2. St Bees

While most tourists enjoy water sports on the lakes, the Lake District is also home to some beautiful beaches, often much quieter as the Lake District tourists tend to congregate inland. The St Bees beaches are dog friendly, making them a fantastic place for dog walks, while the village of St Bees is home to a nature reserve famous for its black guillemots.

St Bees is also a starting point for the coast-to-coast walk if you’re looking for a serious walking goal. But you must pack a women’s lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood.

 3. Crummock Water

Crummock Water is a best-kept secret of Lake District locals. While the tourists flock to the neighbouring lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water is equally beautiful, with woodland home to red squirrels and swathes of bluebells in the spring. The lake is 2.5 miles long, and a footpath around the outskirts makes it a great circular walk with a picturesque mountain backdrop.

4. Grizedale Forest

Looking for an art gallery with a difference? Take a trip to Grizedale Forest, a beautiful woodland hillside with trails available for all abilities, cyclists and dog walkers. What makes Grizedale so special is that there are over 60 sculptures and artworks to discover dotted around the forest. The forest offers a car park, café, and visitor centre, but has plenty of space to get lost in nature, relax in this unique gallery, and enjoy a picnic too. 

Grizedale Forest also has a Go Ape activity centre for family fun or is ideal for wildlife spotting with red squirrels, deer and red kites. Alternatively, head to the forest on a clear night for unforgettable star gazing. 

5. Ennerdale Valley

Without cafes, shops, or tourist facilities, Ennerdale Valley is the perfect spot for some Lake District walking, rock climbing, horse riding, cycling and even canoeing without the crowds. As there are limited facilities here, it is usually one of the quietest spots in the Lake District. With this in mind, it is best to be prepared when visiting. The nearest town is Whitehaven which can be useful for stocking up on supplies before venturing out into this hidden gem of the lakes.

The weather is one of the best things about the Lake disrtrict, come rain or shine (and there is a lot of rain!), this area of the country is never short on atmosphere. Get yourself prepared with some comfortable hiking boots and make sure you always pack a womens lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood as the weather can change at a moments notice.