Lake District

The biggest of England’s national parks, the Lake District has the country’s highest mountains, deepest valleys and longest lakes. Its 30-mile radius encompasses glacier-etched, tree-clad valleys, meadowland, ancient woodland and challenging ridges and peaks. Scafell Pike is the highest, at 3,210 feet. There are also many miles of gentle lakeside strolls. Look out for red squirrels, roe deer and buzzards. Cruises on the lakes offer amazing views. Those on Windermere allow you to leave the boat and explore Ambleside, Wray Castle, the National Park Visitors’ Centre and Bowness. Keswick, overlooking Derwentwater, is a long-standing favourite with tourists, along with Grasmere. The Lake District inspired writers and artists, including Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, Turner and Ruskin. Its fascinating and sometimes violent history is told by Castlerigg’s Neolithic stone circle and the Roman fort, at Hardknott. The park is also great mountain biking country. Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest have many routes for all abilities. There is also walking and cycling on the Keswick Railway Path and more relaxed travelling on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.