Lake District

The author particularly recommends the delicious chocolates made locally in Kendal.

A charming historic town recommended for an afternoon wandering its quaint streets and exploring nearby sights.

The author loved a four-day stay at this lakeside hotel and recommends it as a base for exploring Ullswater.

Include this gallery in a wander around Hawkshead's charming village centre.

A serene, relatively quiet lake that offers an escape from busier summer destinations. It is only a short stroll from its parking area.

Stop to see this distinctive 17th-century building, which has survived for hundreds of years.

Explore this beautiful glacial lake and its surrounding walking country, including the Lone Tree viewpoint.

This prehistoric stone circle makes a worthwhile short stop near Keswick, with around 20 minutes suggested as part of a wider trip.

This fell offers remarkable views and beautiful walking terrain. The author stresses that the challenging hiking is for experienced walkers.

Refuel after a walk with the cakes and tea, which the author especially praises.

Visit this scenic lake alongside neighbouring Buttermere to appreciate the landscape shaped by ancient glaciers.

A beautiful lake that is particularly convenient to explore when staying around Keswick.

Explore William Wordsworth's former home and learn about his life. The author suggests it as a gentler alternative to hiking Helm Crag.

The author recommends stopping at this cosy gallery while exploring Hawkshead.

Continue uphill from St Peter's Church for expansive views over the Lake District.

Hike to the summit for some of the author's favourite views across the Lake District.

A quaint village near Windermere that is ideal for wandering, gallery visits and a pub lunch.

A rewarding hike roughly four kilometres from Grasmere with excellent views and some steep sections. Scaling the Howitzer summit is only recommended for experienced, properly equipped hikers in suitable conditions.

The surrounding terrain is recommended for a full day of spectacular hiking, starting from Swirls car park. Routes can be demanding and are not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

This historic market town is worth exploring rather than simply passing through on the way into the Lake District.

The author recommends its adventurous outings, especially ghyll scrambling and white-water tubing. Book ahead before arriving.

A family-friendly outing near Windermere's southern end, with the chance to ride in the railway's carriages.

The author loved this historic lakeside manor hotel and its sunset sailing trips. Try afternoon tea on the terrace, with scones, clotted cream and homemade jam.

Stop at this lakeside viewpoint and enjoy a ramble through Buttermere's striking scenery.

A beautiful smaller lake recommended as a peaceful stop while exploring by car or on foot.

Follow the trails here for a longer ramble through beautiful Lake District scenery.

Explore impressive castle ruins, extensive family history and beautiful gardens. Festive visits also bring market stalls to the quadrangle.

Recommended for a more technical hike with sweeping views across the glacial landscape.

Recommended as another walking destination to explore from a stay near Hawkshead.

Suggested as a rewarding day-hike destination when staying around Hawkshead.

Explore this nearby cave before stopping for afternoon treats at Chesters By The River.

Recommended as a worthwhile excursion just a few kilometres from Ambleside.

Walk about 25 minutes from the Howtown steamer stop to this secluded countryside church before continuing towards Hallin Fell.

Stop for a proper pub lunch and a pint if you are not driving.

Enjoy impressive views over Derwentwater from this viewpoint, accessible on foot or via a nearby National Trust car park.

This lakeside restaurant is recommended for its hearty Sunday roast.

Stop for a proper pub lunch close to Bridge House.

One of the author's favourite lakes, offering impressive scenery with fewer visitors than Windermere. Try paddleboarding on a calm day or explore by steamer.

Take a historic boat trip around Ullswater, hopping off at different stops to explore the shoreline.

A charming bed and breakfast in a 16th-century building, recommended as a base for nearby day hikes.

Take a boat onto this dramatic glacial lake, the largest in the area. Avoid public holidays for a less crowded visit.

Stop to explore this National Trust castle on the shores of Windermere.