Windermere

Steam rises from England's longest lake as Victorian paddle steamers churn through waters that have barely changed since Wordsworth wandered these fells. Windermere town sits at the southern tip of the lake, a proper Victorian resort that's managed to keep its character despite the summer crowds.

The real draw isn't the town itself but what lies beyond. Take the climb up Scott Howe or Cleabarrow Hill for views that'll remind you why the Romantics went mad for this place. Cat Crag offers a more challenging scramble, while gentler souls can wander through Lambhowe Plantation or Thornythwaite Wood when the lakeshores get too busy.

Lindeth Tarn makes for a lovely quiet walk when you need a break from the main lake's tourist boats. The little Cartmel Fell Church, tucked away on higher ground, is worth the detour if you fancy a bit of solitude and some cracking fell views.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A591 runs right through, and Windermere railway station connects to Manchester and the west coast mainline. Summer weekends can be mental for traffic, mind.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Park Cliffe or Fallbarrow Holiday Park puts you right in the thick of it without the town centre prices. You're close enough to walk to the lake cruises and far enough out to escape the crowds when they get too much. Plus you've got proper fell walking right from your doorstep.