American Plantation

Tucked away near Wigton in Cumbria, the American Plantation is one of those quirky corners of the Lake District that doesn't get the crowds. It's exactly what the name suggests - a patch of forest planted with North American tree species, mostly conifers, that feels oddly out of place against the rolling Cumbrian countryside. You walk among tall Douglas firs and other imports, listening to the wind move through needles that don't belong here at all, which creates a strange, slightly unsettling atmosphere.

Walkers will find it worth a visit, particularly if you're based at nearby Glendale Holiday Park or exploring the quieter side of the region. There's something meditative about the tall trees and soft forest floor, though it's not a long-haul destination - a hour-long wander sorts it nicely. It won't thrill kids desperate for adventure, but if you're after a breather from the fells and fancy something altogether different, it does the job. The plantation sits well within a broader ramble around the area, and it's the kind of place that makes you think about why someone decided North American conifers belonged in northern England. Bring decent shoes - it can be boggy underfoot after rain.