Discovering the hidden Japanese Garden of Giggle Alley wood – Eskdale Green, Cumbria, England

Giggle Alley wood in Eskdale green is a lovely little wood perfect for a morning out or a late afternoon stroll with the whole family. There is a hidden japanese garden in the middle of the wood. And if you wish to stop for something to eat we recommend a detour by Woodland tearoom in Santon Bridge.

View over Eskdale valley

I had told Matt several times that I wanted to visit this Japanese garden and try Woodland tearoom in Santon Bridge, which we finally did last Sunday as the weather was grey with a lot of showers and we didn’t really fancy going for a long walk in that weather.

We arrived around 10h30 at Giggle Alley car park and started our walk by wandering around the little wood taking the direction of the edge of the forest. Leaving the forest, we decided to follow the footpath to see where it has heading. After a couple of minutes, we found ourselves in front of a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the valley of Eskdale green.

Skye observing the view

After taking some photos of the views, we decided to retrace our steps and go back to the forest to find the Japanese garden.

Finally, around a corner of the wood we found the Japanese garden. This garden is very small but lovely. It has several trees, bushes and even a pond with a little bridge. It is so unexpected to find it here in the middle of the wood. A great discovery.

Giggle Alley wood

After this little exploration, we stopped for a lunch at the tearoom. The homemade food was great and their cakes were absolutely delicious.

Do you know this Japanese garden?


Giggle Alley Japanese Garden, Eskdale Green Information:

  • Address: Smithybrow Ln, Holmrook CA19 1UB
  • Woodland Trust Website: here
  • Car park: Free, only space for 4-5 cars
  • Dog friendly: Yes
  • Can be very muddy

Woodland tearoom Santon Bridge Information:

  • Address: Santon Bridge, Nr Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1UY
  • Website: here
  • Dog friendly: Yes but only in the cabin & shop not in the main restaurant.
  • Booking: advised at it is a very small place and it is very busy
  • Car Park: Free, along the road
Japanese Garden

Find more activities in Cumbria on this page. For all our walks in Cumbria it is here.

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