A hidden beauty spot, which provides a welcome shelter from the autumnal- Lake District downpours, has found fame on social media.
The Grot is hidden in the grounds of Rydal Hall on the edge of Windermere. You have to know it is there to have any chance of finding it. When you do, it's easy it understand why a video of a family who had travelled several hours to get there went viral on TikTok.
The 30-acre Rydal Hall estate is dominated by the 16th century stately home overlooking manicured gardens and was a retreat once adored by poet William Wordsworth. There's also woodland with 500-year-old Chestnuts. The main hall has 30 bedrooms and boasts its own chapel, dining room and oak-panelled library.
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However, what sets this country estate apart from the rest is the little brick hut, built in 1668. It's only accessible via a winding, uneven gravel path parallel to the river.
Trust us, opening the door for the fist time to reveal something so unexpected and brilliant, is the ultimate 'wait for it' moment.
How to find it
Make your way past the 'quiet garden' in front of the house at the bottom of the steps and follow the path through the trees, passing the rock pool on your right. The path will take a sharp turn left and head down downwards the river.
Walk under a dark and low arched tunnel and the sound of the river rushing by hits you as you emerge, with the path opening up the hut sitting neatly on the river bank in front of you, The Shire Hobbit-like wooden door waiting to be opened.
Inside you'll discover a window and through it, the spectacular Rydal Falls waterfall is crashing into the river just beyond. It is so loud, you can actually hear the waterfall when you first enter the estate, but it is hidden behind the hut and trees, making it difficult to get a clear view. It is virtually-impossible to see in full unless you are inside the hut on the riverside or on the stone bridge located at the other end of the path, but the tiny house, which fits around ten people huddled on the fitted benches, is the closest you will get.
If you're lucky, like we were, you will be alone to spend a private few minutes sitting on the windowsill to take in the mesmerising rush of the waterfall as it creates clouds of spray when it meets the river below. But please be aware that groups of walkers , schoolchildren, families and tourists may also be keen to steal the views, too.
We would also recommended you wear sturdy and waterproof footwear, especially in wet conditions, and be aware the path is narrow and could become muddy and slippy due to fallen leaves. Entrance to the estate grounds, which are open throughout the year is free and visitors are welcome to tour the hall, with an optional donation towards its upkeep.
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