Recent Crosswater
Verdicts
We’ve spent years travelling the world, chasing recommendations that looked incredible online. Some were unforgettable, others left us wondering why we’d spent the time, money and effort.
Every place we feature has been personally visited and assessed against The Crosswater Standard.
Every recommendation earns one verdict: Worth The Trip or Not Worth Your Time.
No sponsored rankings. No paid placements. Just honest recommendations we’d confidently give to our friends and family.
Worth The Trip
Lake District Sunset from Helvellyn summit
Worth the effort, stunning views for miles. Helvellyn is the third-highest mountain in both England, standing at 3,116 feet. Located between the lakes of Thirlmere and Ullswater. There are many ways to summit this mountain, but only a couple in the dark.
Perfect for walkers and trail runners.
Worth The Trip
Osmotherley, North Yorkshire Moors
One of our favourite villages in the North York Moors and somewhere that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Tucked away just off the A19, it’s surrounded by beautiful walks, has an excellent cafe for coffee and cake, and two welcoming pubs serving good local food and beer.
Perfect for walkers, cyclists or weekend campers.
Worth The Trip
The Coach House, Middleton Lodge
If we’re looking for somewhere special for a date night, this is always top of our list. The food is all locally sourced and freshly prepared to order. Everything we’ve had on the menu has been exquisite. The atmosphere is relaxed, and every visit feels like a treat. They even have homemade dog treats, and the dog-friendly snug means we don’t always have to leave our four-legged companion behind.
Perfect for a special date night & dog friendly
Worth The Trip
Traditional Ryokan in Shibu Onsen
Wafu No Yado Masuya is a traditional ryokan that delivers authentic Japan without luxury Tokyo prices. The location is excellent, the Japanese Kaiseki dinner is genuinely memorable, and access to Sahib Onsen’s historic bath houses makes the whole experience feel very special.
Perfect for couples and families with older children.
Worth The Trip
The Coffee Shop , Osmotherley
I can’t get my partner out of here, it’s his favourite place to visit whenever we’re nearby. From excellent coffee & homemade cake to avocado on toast with poached eggs and bacon, this place never disappoints. There’s also a resident spaniel, who’ll happily welcome you through the door (just don’t feed him).
Dog friendly, perfect for walkers and cyclists
Not Worth Your Time
Overhyped Tourist Trap - Dekasan, Osaka
A social media sensation that didn’t live up to the hype. Long queues, expensive sandwiches and an experience that left us feeling regretful. This is not worth your time or money, there are much better options locally.
Not suitable.
Worth The Trip
Lucia's Coffee + Bakehouse, Grasmere
In the home of Wordsworth, rolling hills and waterfalls, you can find this exceptional sandwich shop. Their focasia is freshly baked daily, the menu changes often but if you’re slow, they will have sold out. Make sure you pick up a sandwich to eat while out on your adventure. You will not be disappointed.
Vegetarian friendly
FAQs
What is Crosswater Explore?
1
Crosswater Explore is a curated collection of places we’ve personally visited and would confidently recommend to friends and family. Every recommendation is assessed against The Crosswater Standard before earning its verdict.
What does “Worth The Trip” mean?
2
A place only earns a Worth The Trip verdict if we’d happily return ourselves and feel comfortable recommending it to those closest to us. It must offer genuine value and justify the time, money and effort required to experience it.
Do you accept sponsored recommendations?
3
No.
We will never accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, rankings or verdicts.
Have you personally visited every place?
4
Yes.
Every recommendation featured on Crosswater Explore has been personally visited and assessed against The Crosswater Standard.