Glenridding

Glenridding is a small village at the southern end of Ullswater lake in the Lake District. It features stone houses and narrow paths nestled between rolling hills and open fields, with the water and surrounding mountains forming the backdrop of daily life.

The village grew around the Greenside Lead Mine, where lead and zinc extraction began in the 1650s. The mine operated for over 300 years and employed many workers, shaping the settlement as a mining community until operations ceased in the early 1960s.

The name Glenridding comes from old words meaning 'valley overgrown with bracken.' The community is deeply rooted in its mining past, which still shapes how people live and use the space today. You can see this heritage in repurposed miners' cottages and in the way locals share stories of the workers and activity that once defined the village.

The village is accessible by car or bus and makes a good base for exploring the wider Lake District. You will find shops, cafes, and pubs for supplies and meals, plus accommodation in cottages and hostels to suit different needs and budgets.

The site played an unexpected role in Cold War history, with underground explosions conducted in the old mine areas to test whether nuclear weapons tests could be detected seismically. This forgotten chapter of scientific research remains hidden beneath the peaceful landscape.