We had a wonderful day exploring the ruins at Shap Abbey. Although it’s not as large as Furness Abbey in Barrow in Furness, it’s much quieter, which is just what we were looking for. There are several walks around this area, including both a 3 mile walk and a 6 mile one, but, with all three kids, including the 1 year old, and the weather being inclement, we decided to just visit the ruins and take a picnic.

After parking in the small English Heritage car park (space for about 5 cars at a cost of £2 for the day) at postcode CA10 3NB, we followed the footpath sign up and over the river and to the ruins. They are ruggedly majestic, and still just about standing over 500 years later! The the kids had the most fun playing hide and seek, laying in the tombs, following the chickens and generally enjoying the open air and opportunity to play.

There are a couple of places to shelter, so when the rain came down, we picnic’d in the old larder of the Abbey! If you don’t fancy a picnic, there are a couple of pubs in Shap village, and a fantastic fish and chip shop too.

Walks near here include Wet Sleddale, Small Water near Haweswater, Lowther Castle.

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