7 secret places in the Lake District to avoid the crowds

Everyone knows that the Lake District is brilliant, and because of this the well-known walks, vistas and views can get terribly crowded in peak season. But do not fear! The park is massive (over 2,000 square km) and there are plenty of places where you can escape the crowds without compromising on the surroundings.

Below we list seven secret places in the Lake District that you can have all to yourself on even the loveliest of summer weekends. Just don’t tell anyone!

Crummock Water

Nestled between Buttermere and Loweswater is the picturesque Crummock Water, an often overlooked but very beautiful lake that's around 2.5 miles long. It is possible to hire rowing boats to enjoy the water itself, and the walks around the surrounding landscape provide exceptional views.

If you’re in the area you may fancy a walk to the nearby Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District.

Blea Tarn

A favourite with local photographers, Blea Tarn is one of the most spectacular in the National Park. The tarn is just a few easy minutes’ walk from the road and is a perfect spot for people who want to enjoy stunning remote Lakeland scenery without having to walk too far.

There are lots of little footpaths around here if you do fancy a stroll and the Blea Tarn walk is suitable for all fitness levels and ages, with lovely views all the way.

Duddon Valley

Duddon Valley is off the main tourist track and yet offers loads to entertain visitors, from charming villages to fantastic landscapes for walking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing - and even spotting local wildlife if you’re lucky.

The River Duddon which passes through the valley is also great for canoeing. Seathwaite Tarn is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busier Lakes locations.

Kailpot Crag

If you’re wild about water you should definitely head to Kailpot Crag in Ullswater. This has to be one of the best wild swimming spots in the UK and, even better, there won’t be a soul around.

(Fans of wild swimming should take a look at these great campsites!)

Follow the footpath from Sandiwick leading towards Howton and after about a mile you’ll reach the crag, from which you can enjoy exhilarating jumps into the water.

Ennerdale

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the Ennerdale Valley, a wild and beautiful place with no shops, no café, no ice cream vans and hopefully no people. It’s not super easy to get to, but there are no shortage of great walks around here and the area is also good for cycling, horse riding, rock climbing, orienteering and canoeing.

The valley is home to the most westerly lake in the Lake District, Ennerdale Water, and the nearby town of Whitehaven makes for an interesting pit stop.

Black Combe

For unforgettable views that include land and sea, the fell of Black Combe in the Borough of Copeland won’t disappoint. The walk is quite steep but the panoramic views from the top are stunning.

Black Combe can be approached via various different routes and it’s best to plan your ascent during good weather to make the most of the views.

The Dock Museum

Even the most striking landscapes and exciting outdoor activities can lose some of their appeal during poor weather, but the Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness is a fun day out no matter how bad the rain is.

Entry to the museum is free and kids and adults alike will be entertained by the variety of displays and exhibitions within the museum which provide insight into Barrow’s history as well as the shipbuilding industry. Plus the playground is ideal for children to burn off excess energy while adults enjoy a more sedate visit to the museum’s café.

Turning up to beauty spots and finding crowds of people there can spoil the feel of getting away from it all. These lesser known spots will help you avoid the crowds!

If you haven't booked your accommodation yet, try one of the Lake District's campsites.