The Lake District & Hodge Close Quarry

Forever chasing that 'coming of age' movie aesthetic

I’ve always had a deep love for old-school coming-of-age films—Stand by Me, The Sandlot, Into the Wild, and the like. There’s something timeless about their aesthetic, a gritty realness that I’ve been chasing in my own photos and videos for years. The way they capture characters, journeys, and those pivotal moments of change has always resonated with me.

So, when we took our little yellow van to the Lake District, it felt like stepping into one of those movies—a nostalgic mix of adventure, exploration, and discovery.

Moss Side Farm Campsite

Our adventure began with a late afternoon drive to our campsite, Moss Side Farm. This rustic gem is tucked away in the rolling hills of the Lake District and might just be one of my favorite campsites we’ve ever stayed at. The facilities were great, and the views? Unbelievable.

We arrived just as the sun was beginning to set. The campsite was filled with families gathered around campfires, setting up tents, and enjoying the late summer air. We were directed to a pitch up on the hill, and as we wound our way up the path, I made sure to park the van in just the right spot to wake up to a perfect morning view.

The next morning, with the doors of our van wide open, we made a quick breakfast and coffee. One of my favorite moments is opening those back doors in the morning, whilst lying in bed—one of the best parts of van life.

We then laced up our trainers and hit the trails around the campsite, exploring the Lake District countryside. The morning air was crisp, and the paths led us to stunning viewpoints. Camera in hand, I tried to capture it all—the light, the colors, Naomi’s headstands.

Discovering Hodge Close Quarry

After a quick bite, we set off to explore the main highlight of our trip—Hodge Close Quarry. I can’t quite remember where I first heard about this spot, maybe through a random TikTok, but it was immediately saved to my Google Maps. The place had been a dream spot to explore for a while with its Stephen King novel vibe.

The road to the quarry was narrow and winding, and with no signal, it felt like a true adventure. We squeezed our van down the path until we reached a small car park nearby. From there, it was a short walk over the road before we were met with a sheer drop into the quarry below.

We were lucky—there were only a few people around when we arrived. It felt like a scene straight out of one of those old coming-of-age movies. The quarry itself is otherworldly: moss-covered walls, a cavern that opens into a massive cave, and water so clear it looks unreal. No wonder it’s been used as a set for shows like The Witcher.

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Exploring the Caverns

We ventured down the narrow path into the cavern, where the walls seemed to close in before opening up into a giant, mossy cave. The atmosphere was almost mystical, like we’d stumbled into another world—somewhere you might expect to find trolls, or perhaps even a bear lurking in the shadows.

One of the most iconic spots is the old, rusted mine cart track that breaks off into the water. We took a seat there, watching a few brave folks jump off the rocks. It felt like we were in a Stand by Me scene, minus the dead bodies (thankfully).

There’s something timeless about adventures like this. They remind me of those stories where a group of friends head out on a journey and come back changed. The Lake District, with its winding roads, hidden spots, and that sense of freedom, gave us a taste of that classic Americana spirit—right here in England.

These two spots—Moss Side Farm and Hodge Close Quarry—are easily among my favorite places we’ve explored in the past few years. If you’re a fan of those nostalgic films like Stand by Me or Into the Wild, you’ll recognize that feeling of freedom and exploration they evoke. But why leave it to the movies? Grab a friend, grab a camera, or just head out on your own—there’s a whole world of hidden gems like this waiting to be discovered this weekend.

Cool Place to Stay: Moss Side Farm Campsite

• Location: Broughton-in-Furness, LA20 6DJ

• Description: Incredible views, great facilities and epic walks in the area!

• Nearby Attractions: Coniston Water (Huge lake!)

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Hiking Spot: Hodge Close Quarry

• Location: hodge Close Cottage, COniston, LA21 8DJ

• Trail Overview: There’s a car park right by the quarry. Walk across the road for a few from the top. To get down to the cave; head towards the Old Forge and Hodge Close Cottages before hooking a right towards a footpath that takes you into the cave. It’s quite hidden though and we missed it the first time.

• Trail Tips: Wear sturdy shoes! Watch your step around the water as it gets very slippery!