No crowds. No queues. Just pure discovery.

The Forgotten Trail: Ghyll Head

Everyone heads north for the big-name peaks – but those in the know walk south. Just a short drive from Windermere Marina Village, Ghyll Head is a quiet, rewarding escape that even many locals forget to mention.

Wander through ancient woodland where light filters through the trees like stained glass and climb gently to a high ridge that reveals sweeping, uninterrupted views across Windermere. On a clear day, you’ll spot the Langdales beyond, but most of the time you’ll be entirely alone – with only the wind and the occasional deer for company.

Rediscover the joy of walking without an audience.

Coffee Shop Under the Radar: Brod, Windermere

A brand-new coffee shop with Nordic charm, Brod is the kind of place you stumble into once, and then return to every morning of your trip. Tucked just off Windermere’s main village centre, it’s small, soulful and quietly confident.

Their cinnamon buns are popular (go early before they vanish), the coffee is rich and reliably good, and there’s a calm simplicity to the space that makes you want to linger. You’ll find off-duty mountain guides nursing cortados and locals catching up with buttery pastries in hand.

Google may call it a bakery, but the regulars know: it’s where Windermere slows down.

Wild Lakes, No Boats: Moss Eccles Tarn

Windermere is magnificent, but Moss Eccles Tarn is poetry. Small, secluded and often missed even by lifelong Cumbrians, this tarn is tucked behind Near Sawrey. It’s said that Beatrix Potter herself used to row here at dusk.

Bring a book, or better yet, bring nothing. Just sit. The dragonflies do the rest.

The Pub That Time Forgot: The Masons Arms, Strawberry Bank

Tucked away in the sleepy hamlet of Strawberry Bank, The Masons Arms feels like stepping into another era – think log fires, stone floors and rolling views over the Winster Valley that most guidebooks don’t even mention.

This isn’t a place for fast service or flashy décor – it’s for long lunches and miss-matched pint glasses. There’s a strong chance you’ll be sat next to someone who walked there across fields, wellies still muddy.

No background music. No neon specials board. Just perfectly pulled local ales and slow-cooked lamb that melts like butter.

Secret Walks & Trails

1. Craggy Wood, Staveley
   This little-known woodland walk is just 15 minutes from Windermere, yet it feels miles away. Locals love it for a post-rain ramble – mossy, ancient trees and a quiet climb to Reston Scar with peaceful views across Kentmere. Great for dogs and early morning awakenings.
2. High Dam, Finsthwaite
   Often called a “mini Tarn Hows,” but without the tour buses. Sheltered, still and rarely busy – even in summer! Locals bring flasks and a picnic here. Ideal for a quiet dip or a reflective pause.
3. Loughrigg Terrace at Golden Hour
   Loughrigg is well known, but timing is everything. Hit the terrace from Rydal just before sunset and the entire Grasmere valley glows gold. Bring a flask of tea. The crowds will be long gone.

Why It Matters: Second Destinations, First-Hand Joy

There’s a growing trend among UK travellers: the search for “second destinations.” Places that aren’t the main event but offer richer, quieter, more local experiences. Windermere Marina Village sits perfectly in this rhythm. You’re close enough to the action, but just far enough away to truly breathe.So when you stay with us, don’t just follow the signs. Follow the whisper of adventure. Ask the barista where they go walking. Choose the footpath with no name. Skip the queue – and find the magic the crowds will miss.