Windermere

The lake itself is what draws you in - ten and a half miles of dark water cutting through the Lake District fells, England's largest and most famous body of freshwater. You're standing on the shore near Windermere town and it just keeps going, backed by the grey-green slopes of the surrounding mountains. Most visitors hire a boat or jump on one of the steamers that run the length of it, which is the proper way to see the scale of the thing. The water's too cold for most people outside summer, though swimmers do brave it year-round.

Walkers gravitate here instantly - the lake paths are straightforward and varied, ranging from flat waterside strolls to proper fell climbs that start from the banks. Families with younger kids do well on the easier sections near town; teenagers and adults will want to push further afield. The steamers themselves are quite the experience, especially on a clear day when you can see right to Ambleside or Bowness-on-Windermere at the southern end.

Staying at Hill of Oaks just 1.1 miles away makes sense logistically - you can walk to the water from the park in minutes. Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park, three and a half miles south, gives you access to the same attractions without being right on top of them. Lakeland Glamping further out works if you want quieter surroundings but don't mind a short drive back to the lake.

Free to visit and walk alongside. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're just pottering, longer if you're hiking or taking a steamer trip. Winter quietness is lovely; summer gets rammed with day-trippers.