Kendal

Grey limestone buildings line narrow streets where mint cake was invented and fell walkers still stock up before heading into the hills. Kendal has that proper market town feeling - busy enough on Saturdays, pleasantly quiet midweek, with independent shops that actually seem to turn a profit. The River Kent runs right through the middle, and you can follow it on footpaths that feel surprisingly rural despite being in the town centre.

The surrounding fells are what make this place special though. Bleasegale Hill and Ashstead Fell offer cracking views without the crowds you'll find on the bigger peaks further north. Hood Tarn makes for a lovely walk - about an hour from the town centre through some proper Lakeland countryside. Thunder Stone, an ancient boulder with local legends attached, sits on the route up to High Fell if you fancy a longer trek.

Woodland walks are everywhere once you know where to look. Cocklea Wood and Rowan Wood provide decent shelter on drizzly days, while the tarns - Eskrigg and Tarneybank - reflect the changing sky beautifully when the weather's playing ball.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The M6 runs nearby, and there's a proper railway station with regular services to Manchester and Edinburgh. It's that sweet spot - close enough to civilization but with genuine fell country on the doorstep.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Kendal gives you the best of both worlds. Pop into town for supplies and a decent pub lunch, then retreat to your pitch with the sounds of the countryside. The Ashes Caravan Park and Kendal Camping sites put you within walking distance of those woodland paths, while the glamping pods at places like Lakeland Glamping offer a bit more comfort after a day exploring the fells.