Simon's Seat

You'll spot Simon's Seat long before you reach it - a distinctive rocky outcrop that juts out of the fell landscape like something deliberately placed by a giant's hand. This isn't a strenuous peak, but it's a proper little adventure from Kendal, offering views across the Lake District that make the climb feel worth every step.

The summit sits at 342 metres and takes roughly an hour to reach from the car park. It's a walker's climb rather than a scramble, though the final push up to the seat itself involves a bit of boulder-hopping that kids tend to find thrilling. On a clear day you get views south towards the valleys and west into the heart of the fells - nothing quite beats that moment when you crest the top and the landscape just opens up.

Bring decent boots. The ground gets boggy in places and the final approach is steep enough that you'll appreciate the grip. The "seat" itself is a natural rock formation at the summit where you can properly settle in and have a picnic. Allow two to three hours for the whole outing if you're not rushing.

This works brilliantly as a morning excursion if you're staying at Two Acre Glamping Pods nearby. It's close enough that you won't spend your holiday drive time getting there, but remote enough that you won't be battling crowds. Families with children aged eight upwards will manage it fine. Walkers use it as a warm-up before tackling bigger peaks, but it's rewarding enough to visit for its own sake.