‘Delightful’ village in Lake District is one of the UK’s best hidden gems
The Lake District is renowned for its famous lakes, historic towns, and mountains, making it a popular staycation spot. However, with a 900% rise in people searching for ‘hidden gems in England’ on Google in the last month, more people are looking to visit lesser-known spots.
One of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets is Chapel Stile, a charming village just a 20-minute drive from the popular town of Windemere, and 12 minutes from Ambleside.
“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.
“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.
While the village may be small, with a population of around 1,400, Chapel Stile’s charming views, pubs and hotels give this tranquil spot a real rustic and warm feel, perfect for a tranquil escape. As one Google Reviewer puts it, the village is “delightful” and “made for some lovely photos”, with another adding that Holy Trinity Church “really adds to Chapel Stile’s charm”.
If visiting Chapel Stile and looking for things to do, 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!”
Looking for somewhere to stay, Jerry shares that, “there are 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