The Lake District is a popular staycation spot for Brits – but one of its most charming villages tends to be overlooked in favour of more crowded towns
As the warm weather approaches, many Brits are turning their thoughts to summer holidays.
However, instead of splashing out on a trip abroad, there’s a hidden treasure right here in the UK that offers an abundance of beauty and tranquillity.
The Lake District, renowned for its lakes, historic towns, and mountains, is a favourite spot for staycations.
Yet, with a 900% increase in Google searches for ‘hidden gems in England’ over the past month, it seems more people are seeking out less well-known locations.
One of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets is Chapel Stile, a quaint village just a short 20-minute drive from the bustling town of Windermere, and only 12 minutes from Ambleside.
Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottage, said: “People often overlook Chapel Stile in favour of more famous destinations like Windermere and Keswick.
“Chapel Stile is a serene hidden gem, and visiting it feels like stepping back in time.
“The village offers stunning views of the surrounding fields and fells, all under the watchful eye of the beautiful 19th-century church by 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”
Rebbeck suggests that Chapel Stile is a must-visit for those seeking activities, saying, “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.”