This valley is a beautiful and serene alternative to the more popular and often crowded . Just a short distance away from the tourist hotspot, the Eden Valley offers stunning landscapes of endless woodlands, fields and green hills. This hidden gem of , located around the River Eden, offers a peaceful escape where you're far less likely to encounter crowds, allowing you to truly unwind and enjoy the serenity.
Between the Pennines and the Lake District fells, the is also home to charming towns and sandstone villages, some with roots that go back to Viking times. The Smardale Nature Reserve and the Howgill Fells provide fantastic hiking opportunities and peaceful trails across the countryside.
One of the valley's standout attractions is Lacy's Caves, a fascinating series of caves carved into the soft sandstone cliffs that line the River Eden.
These caves, crafted by Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Lacy, were originally intended as an ornamental folly but have ended up becoming a fascinating site overlooking the river.
Another must-see is the Smardale Gill Viaduct, a striking Victorian 14-arched sandstone viaduct that was once part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway and is now a public footpath.
Long Meg and Her Daughters, a prehistoric stone circle near Little Salkeld, also stands as one of the most significant Bronze Age sites in the UK, with 51 stones intricately carved.
The area is also home to Kirkby Stephen, a charming market town, as well as the tranquil village of Little Salkeld.
The village holds the 16th-century Salkeld Hall, the ancestral home of the Salkeld family, and the still-operating Little Salkeld Watermill, built in 1745.
Adding to the valley's beauty and enchanting atmosphere are the Eden Benchmarks which are ten sculptures set in dramatic locations throughout the valley.
Whether you're hiking the hills, exploring ancient sculptures, or simply enjoying the views, this valley provides the ideal place to unwind, soak in nature, and find out more about the fascinating history of the area.
