With warm weather on its way, summer holidays are top of the agenda for lots of Brits. But rather than spending large amounts on an overseas trip, there is a hidden gem right here in the UK that offers beauty and relaxation in spades. The Lake District is famous for its 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.

Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottage said: “People often miss out on a visit to Chapel Stile because of more well known destinations like Windermere and Keswick drawing in visitors instead.

“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”

If visiting Chapel Stile and looking for things to do, Rebbeck 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.”