Lodore Falls

The waterfall thunders down a narrow ravine just south of Keswick, and it's genuinely impressive after heavy rain. Lodore Falls drops about 90 feet in a series of cascades, with the water properly roaring through a steep-sided valley - the kind of place where the spray reaches you even if you're standing back a bit.

It's a short walk from the car park at the bottom of Borrowdale, maybe ten minutes on an easy path, so you won't need hiking boots or half a day. Families with young kids can manage it fine, though the path gets muddy and the railings aren't exactly fortress-grade, so keep a close eye on them near the edges. The real magic happens in winter or after rain - in dry summer, it's a trickle and frankly not worth the trip.

If you're staying at Castlerigg Hall or Keswick Camping, Lodore is basically on your doorstep and makes for a decent morning's outing before hitting somewhere bigger like Catbells or Derwentwater proper. Combine it with a walk around the lake itself and you've got a solid half day sorted.

Truth is, it's free and it's local, which is its main appeal. The falls themselves are nice enough but not earth-shattering - you're really here for the drama of the setting rather than any record-breaking height. Well worth stopping by if you're in the valley anyway.