Shap Memorial Park

There's a small stone memorial tucked into moorland just south of Penrith that most drivers hurtle past without noticing. Shap Memorial Park marks the site where a plane crashed during the Second World War, and the local community has maintained it as a quiet place to remember those who died.

The park itself is modest - a handful of benches, some interpretation boards, and moorland views stretching toward the Pennines. Walking here takes you through proper Cumbrian countryside, the kind where the wind cuts across open ground and you can see for miles. It's not a destination that'll fill a full day, but if you're staying at Howdy Glamping nearby, it's worth the short drive for a thoughtful hour's walk.

History enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in wartime heritage will appreciate the setting and the story. Families might find the moorland walk pleasant enough, though younger children could get restless unless you combine it with something busier. The lack of facilities - no café, no gift shop - means you need to come prepared and realistic about what you're getting.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though the exposed moorland location means winter weather can turn it bleak fast. Spring and early autumn work better. Allow an hour if you're walking properly and reading the information, less if you're just paying your respects. Good boots help - the ground can be boggy after rain.