Lake District’s Spring Hidden Gems

Discover 5 Hidden Gems this Spring…

Fell Foot Park, Windermere

Fell Foot was once home to a glorious Georgian villa on the southern shore of Lake Windermere. Today, the house has gone but 45 acres of gardens, as well as a brand-new watersports centre makes this a real all-season gem. Free for National Trust members and a great place to park up and explore on foot or by paddle. Grab a map of the 1.6 mile heritage circular walk or enjoy a picnic on the quiet lawns. Up the tempo with the new Fell Foot Active Base – the place to try the hottest new waterport, Stand Up Paddle-boarding. And no visit to Fell Foot would be complete without a trip to the pizza Landrover  – pizza night is every Tuesday from 31 March 2020. The native flower gardens are popular in summer and over winter months it’s a hidden gem for sledging!

Brantwood House, Coniston

This 18th century house and garden occupies an enviable location overlooking Coniston Water. Today it still houses the quirky character of its most famous occupant, Victorian art critic, John Ruskin. It’s truly brimming with fascinating treasures from this avid collector’s 28 years living in the Lake District. This March a real hidden gem is opening at Brantwood – The Treasury. Ruskin built one of the finest privately-owned collections of minerals in the world and in March the unique exhibition will be open to the public.

Left: Fell Foot Park 

The Makers Mill, Keswick

Shop for local artists at the Lake District’s newest art studio, gallery, shop and workshop. The Makers Mill is a trendy, renovated 19th century mill in the heart of Keswick. They offer year-round creative workshops. And if you just fancy popping in for a mooch, the gallery showcases the work of over 30 local artists and designers as well as 5 studios with permanent designers in residence, open to the public.

Stanley Ghyll Force, Eskdale

Experience one of the longest narrow-gauge train journies with Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, disembarking at the last stop (Boot) and take the 2.5 mile walk to Stanley Ghyll Waterfall. Thanks to recent work clearing the rhododendrons, spectacular views are now available of this impressive 60ft falls – unseen since the 18th century. “The area looks especially beautiful in the winter light,” says LDNPA ranger Rebecca Cathey.

Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories, Windermere

Having won a boat-load of awards, this is one of the Lake District’s newest modern museums. The £20m Windermere Jetty is great for families and all curious visitors as the boat displays – spread through several beautiful, architect-designed hangers – are interactive. There’s a wonderful jetty cafe and shop too. So go and see Beatrix Potter’s tumbledown rowing boat and the dazzling display of copper tea urns used during a time of Victorian genteel promenading where each tea service outdid the last. Plus an impressive collection of over 40 boats spanning from the 18th century to current, giving a complete celebration of sailing on Lake Windermere.

L-R: Stanley Ghyll Force, Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steams & Stories