Stainton Cross

A weathered stone cross standing alone in the Cumbrian countryside near Milnthorpe - that's Stainton Cross. It's the sort of thing you might stumble upon while exploring the lanes between the Lake District and the coastal plains, or spot from a car window and wonder about for years afterward.

The cross itself dates back centuries, a remnant of medieval life when such markers served as waypoints for travellers, gathering places, or boundary stones. It's not grand or showy. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards - just the cross, the landscape, and whatever story you bring to it.

This works best for walkers and history types rather than families with small children looking for activities. It's a proper leg-stretch kind of stop, the type of thing you'd combine with a countryside amble rather than a destination in itself. Allow 15 minutes if you're just photographing and reading up; longer if you're inclined to linger and take in the views. Bring decent shoes - it's rural Cumbria, so mud's a given depending on the season.

Camped at Kendal Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Little Acre Holiday Park just down the road? Stainton Cross makes a worthwhile detour on a morning walk before heading into Kendal proper or pushing toward the fells. It's free, naturally, and doesn't require planning ahead. Just turn up and see what you find.