Penrith

This red sandstone market town sits at the crossroads between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, serving as a proper gateway to some of England's finest fell walking. Penrith has that no-nonsense Cumbrian feel - functional rather than fancy, but all the better for it.

The town centre revolves around the market square, where you'll find decent pubs and the sort of independent shops that have survived the retail apocalypse. It's worth wandering up to the ruins of Penrith Castle, built to defend against Scottish raids. The red sandstone gives the whole place a warm glow on sunny days.

Surrounding countryside is proper dramatic. To the east, you've got the North Pennines stretching towards Cross Fell, England's highest peak outside the Lake District. Historic sites like Mary's Pillar and Powdonnet Well dot the landscape, remnants of the area's turbulent border history. The numerous woods - Hagg Wood, Melkinthorpe Wood, and Sheriffs Park Wood among them - offer gentle walks when the fells feel too ambitious.

Getting here is straightforward. Penrith sits on the M6 and has its own railway station with direct links to London, Glasgow and Manchester. The A66 shoots west straight into Keswick and the central Lakes.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper meal, but positioned brilliantly for day trips. Ullswater Holiday Park gets you close to England's second-largest lake, while places like Lowther Holiday Park put you near the historic Lowther Castle estate. The variety is impressive too - from basic camping at Crossfells Campsite to luxury options at Crossgate Luxury Glamping.