Windermere

The steamers still chug across England's largest natural lake, their Victorian whistle echoing off the surrounding fells just as it has for over a century. Windermere town sits at the southern tip of its famous namesake lake, a proper Victorian resort that's never quite shaken off its tourist sensibilities - but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The town splits personality-wise between the railway station area and Bowness-on-Windermere down by the water. Most visitors gravitate towards Bowness for the lake cruises and attractions, but the quieter streets around Windermere station have their own appeal. From here, you can strike out onto the surrounding fells without fighting through the crowds.

Biskey Howe offers cracking views across the lake for minimal effort - it's barely a 20-minute walk from the town centre. More ambitious hikers can tackle Brant Fell or Queen Adelaide's Hill for proper panoramic vistas. The Windermere War Memorial sits in a lovely spot overlooking the lake, while the Victorian Baddeley Clock marks the town's railway heritage.

Down by the water, MV Swift operates as a floating gallery, and there's an unexpectedly moving exhibition called From Auschwitz to Ambleside that tells remarkable wartime stories. The Gruffalo attraction keeps families happy, though it can get rammed during school holidays.

Windermere's well connected by train from Manchester and the south, making it dead easy to reach without a car. The M6 brings drivers up from the cities in under two hours. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Fallbarrow or White Cross Bay puts you right in the action while avoiding the town centre's parking nightmares. You're perfectly placed for lake cruises, fell walks, and day trips to Ambleside or Keswick.