Best attractions and places to see around Clifton include a variety of natural and historical sites within the Lake District National Park. The area features prominent fells, offering panoramic viewpoints and opportunities for hiking. Visitors can explore ancient historical sites and modern infrastructure like the rebuilt Pooley Bridge. This region provides diverse outdoor activities for those interested in natural landscapes and historical exploration.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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Loadpot Hill, at 671 metres, and its trig point occupy an expansive, flat-topped fell between Arthur's Pike and Wether Hill. It has commanding but distant 360-degree views of the surrounding fells from its barren, flat top that you know must be a nightmare during high winds in winter. The trig point is not the actual summit; the summit is nearby but unmarked.
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Arthur's Pike is a 533-metre (1,749-foot) Wainwright summit that sits just above Bonscale Pike, and both have commanding views out over Ullswater. This is a super nice spot to have a break if you are heading out on the leg to Loadpot Hill and beyond.
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The Cockpit is a 3,500–5,000-year-old Bronze Age stone circle (27m diameter) located on Moor Divock in the Lake District National Park, overlooking Ullswater. It features roughly 70–75, mainly recumbent, stones set into a circular embankment, likely serving as a prehistoric gathering place. It is accessible via walking trails from Askham or Pooley Bridge.
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Among the many treasures of the English Lake District, Lowther Castle stands out. Built in the early 19th century on the site of two older houses, the castle once had a room for every day of the year and its gardens were famous in the north. Today, Lowther Castle is a great visitor attraction with dramatic ruins, beautiful gardens, and an adventure playground.
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The true Wainwright summit is not the trig pillar itself. Locate the highest point of land South West of the trig if you’re a purist doing the Wainwrights
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Arthur's Pike (532m) has a small summit set back from the crags on a grassy plateau. The summit is marked by a small rock cairn.
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The Clifton area, situated within the Lake District National Park, offers numerous natural features and scenic viewpoints. You can enjoy expansive views of Ullswater from View of Ullswater from Bonscale Pike, which provides a quieter perspective of the lake. Another prominent viewpoint is Arthur's Pike summit, offering vistas towards Pooley Bridge and other fells. For those seeking a landmark on a broad, grassy plateau, the Loadpot Hill Trig Point is a notable spot.
Clifton is home to significant historical sites. The The Cockpit Stone Circle is an impressive Bronze Age structure on the ancient High Street Roman road, estimated to be between 3,500 and 5,000 years old. Additionally, the modern Pooley Bridge (2020), rebuilt after the 2015 floods, stands as a testament to the area's resilience and history, with its predecessor dating back to the 16th century.
Yes, Pooley Bridge (2020) is categorized as family-friendly. The village itself is a popular tourist spot with a ferry service, shops, and pubs, making it a pleasant place for families to visit. The new bridge also features engraved names of people and businesses that helped fund its reconstruction, which can be an interesting detail for visitors.
The rebuilt Pooley Bridge (2020) is listed as wheelchair-accessible. This modern stainless steel structure provides easy access across the River Eamont and into the village, allowing visitors to enjoy the riverside and local amenities.
The area around Clifton offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily hiking and cycling. You can find numerous routes for different skill levels. For hiking, explore options like the 'Low Gardens Bridge – Lowther Castle loop' or 'The Strickland Arms loop'. Cyclists can enjoy longer tours such as the 'Eden Valley loop' or 'North-eastern Lakes loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Clifton.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Clifton. Options include 'A tour of Penrith Castle & Beacon', 'Brougham Castle – Brougham Hall loop from High Carleton', and 'Low Gardens Bridge – Lowther Castle loop from Helton'. These routes offer accessible ways to explore the local scenery. For more easy hiking options, refer to the easy hikes guide around Clifton.
The Lake District, where Clifton is located, is beautiful year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying viewpoints, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. During these months, trails are typically drier, and the views are clearer. Winter can be picturesque but may present challenging conditions on higher fells.
Yes, particularly around Pooley Bridge (2020). The village of Pooley Bridge is a popular tourist spot with several shops and pubs. The Pooley Bridge Inn, for example, is noted for serving food, drinks, and snacks with a nice view, typically open from 12:00 to 22:00 daily.
While not entirely 'hidden,' the The Cockpit Stone Circle, located on the ancient High Street Roman road, offers a unique historical experience that might be less frequented than other major Lake District attractions. Its remote setting and ancient mystery make it a compelling discovery for those interested in history and solitude.
The Lake District National Park, encompassing the Clifton area, is rich in diverse wildlife. While specific spotting locations aren't detailed for each attraction, the natural fells and lakeside areas, such as those around Ullswater visible from View of Ullswater from Bonscale Pike, provide habitats for various bird species, red deer, and other native animals. Early mornings or late evenings are often the best times for wildlife observation.
Visitors particularly appreciate the expansive and often quieter views of Ullswater from fells like Bonscale Pike. The historical significance of sites like The Cockpit Stone Circle and the resilience symbolized by the rebuilt Pooley Bridge (2020) also resonate with the komoot community. The variety of natural landscapes and historical exploration opportunities are highly valued.
Yes, Clifton is known for its fells. You can hike to Arthur's Pike summit, a 533 m Wainwright fell offering great views. Another option is Loadpot Hill Trig Point, a 672 m Wainwright fell that is part of the Joss Naylor Challenge route. For a quieter experience with lake views, consider Bonscale Pike.


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