A hidden gem in the Lake District, only a 20-minute drive from a popular town, is home to amazing views of the scenery, a beautiful church and amazing hiking trails
Hidden in the Lake District is a charming village just a 20-minute drive from the popular town of Windemere.
Known for its charming lakes, historic towns and mountains, the Lake District is a popular staycation spot. However, with a 900 per cent rise in people searching for ‘hidden gems in England’ on Google in the last month, it is clear more people are looking to eschew the crowds and visit lesser-known spots.
One of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets is Chapel Stile. “People often miss out on a visit to Chapel Stile because of more well known destinations like Windemere and Keswick drawing in visitors instead,” said Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages.
READ MORE: Locals sick of tourists invading ‘UK’s most beautiful village’ push for ban
“Chapel Stile is a peaceful hidden gem, and visiting it feels like going back in time. The village boasts picturesque views of the fields and fells surrounding it, overlooked by the beautiful 19th century church next to the river — which is how the village got its name. The village is also home to many of the famous Herdwick sheep, native to the Lake District, dotted calmly about the landscape,” he adds.
The village has a population of just 1,400, yet it boasts charming views, pubs and hotels. In a Google review, one visitor described the village as “delightful” and “made for some lovely photos”. Another added that the Holy Trinity Church “really adds to Chapel Stile’s charm”.
For those wanting to visit Chapel Stile, Jerry recommends that “there are plenty of scenic walks, from large hikes to small strolls in the area, perfect for picnics in the summer. If you fancy something hot and homemade, there’s the Wainwright’s Inn at the edge of the village, a traditional and hearty pub, which started life as a farmhouse. Other recommendations include Slates Café and The Eltermere Inn, just down the road in Elterwater.
“Chapel Stile is also the perfect spot for book lovers and fans of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, who both spent significant time in the village. Wordsworth would have stayed in the village often as he toured the Lakes, and his son is buried in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church. Beatrix Potter was a keen conservationist, and owned several farms near Chapel Stile, which she donated to the National Trust upon her death. The local landscape also inspired her illustrations!”
The area also has plenty of options for places to stay. “From B&Bs to cottages in Chapel Stile and other villages nearby. And because the village isn’t too big, everything is easily accessible, and the river is right on your doorstop,” explained Jerry. Also nearby is the Grasmere Waterfall Walkways hiking area. One visitor commented: “Lovely place, very tranquil with lovely views and national trust walks leading off it to a couple of different places (both mainly woods) with a variety of wildlife on offer.”
The popular town of Ambleside is also nearby.