The ‘other worldly’ UK lake where you can find award-winning wines and gins
TOURISTS have said that a lake in the UK has to be seen to be believed, with pictures “not doing it credit”.
The UK is home to some very famous spectacular natural sights, but one lesser-known spot has started to gain attention online, with people saying it has to be seen up close to be properly appreciated.
The Silent Pool in Guildford, Surrey has been described as “other-worldly” by some, with its still clear blue waters enchanting those who visit.
The pool is a former chalk quarry fed by underground springs.
It’s likely that it would have been used as a source of pure water by people at some point in history.
You can see why they would have used it too, with its water almost as clear as that which runs from a tap.
It’s not only people that used the pool, with wildlife also taking advantage of the natural spring.
According to Visit Surrey “one can often glimpse the blue flash of a kingfisher as it darts across the water”.
Roe deer, woodpeckers and tawny owls are also popular visitors, according to the Wildlife Trust.
Despite its calmness and tranquillity, the pool also has an “eerie feel” to it, with a local legend perhaps explaining why.
The story goes that a woodcutter’s daughter was surprised by a man on a horse while she was bathing in the pool.
He tried to lure her to the bank, but she wouldn’t come, so he rode his horse into the water to try and get to her.
The girl tried to move away from him, but ended up going out into deeper water where she drowned.
Nowadays, the pool is a popular walking spot, with both tourists and locals going to enjoy the scenery.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: “None of the pictures shown here do credit to this beautiful site. The water is crystal clear and eerily still.”
Another said: “The Silent Pool is well worth a visit, the site has a nice, ‘other-worldly’ quality, and is very peaceful and relaxing.”
Another person who agreed was Tiktoker @__gee__ta who shared footage from the pool that showed off its turquoise water.”
One of her followers was inspired, saying: “Gonna need the address for this place right now.”
It’s not just pool that lures in tourists either, with an award-winning gin distillery and an organic vineyard right next to it.
The Silent Pool gin company started in 2013 when a group of friends started producing the handcrafted spirits in some dilapidated farm buildings on the banks of the pool.
Guests can book themselves in for distillery tours, masterclasses and experiences, led by expert guides.
The gin was named best premium gin at the Ginsanity UK 2018 World Cup.
A stone’s throw from the distillery is the Albury Organic Vineyard, where wine has been produced since 2009.
The vineyard invites people to “pop in and enjoy a glass of bubbly in the tasting room or on the patio.”
Alternatively, they put on events, including cheese and wine tasting sessions and supper clubs.
One recent visitor described it as “the perfect place to visit” adding: “An organic vineyard producing quality wines from the beautiful Surrey Hills.
“We were lucky to visit during an open day so were able to enjoy cheese and wines as we sat between the vines listening to live music.
“The estate sparking is excellent so we picked some up from the vineyard shop to take home.”
Meanwhile, these are the most underrated beauty spots to visit in the UK.
And these are some of the most photographed locations in the country.