Kentmere Farm Pods, South Lakes

Explore from the door with footpaths straight from the farm. Wander down the lane and play Pooh sticks from the old stone packhorse bridge, head off on the 3-river trail or try Alfred Wainwright's favourite walk: an epic 7-hour-long trek known as the Kentmere Horseshoe, which takes in Yoke, Thornthwaite Crag, Shipman Knotts, Mardale Ill Bell, Kentmere Pike, Ill Bell, Harter Fell (Mardale), Goat Scar, and Froswick. (Warning: it's one of the longest and most remote walks in the Lake District.) There is something for all ages and abilities, though, with particularly pleasant walking along the river valley. The ancient oak woodland along the riverside just south of Staveley was once used for making bobbins and now home swathes of bluebells, early purple orchids and wild garlic (spot redstarts, flycatchers and great spotted woodpeckers). Head over the valley top with a round trip to Potter Tarn (3 miles) and Gurnal Dubs, just beyond, fantastic for wild swimming in summer (or very chilly dips in winter!), while, in the opposite direction, wallow in the river in Kentmere or paddle in the Kent near the pods. There are great biking routes, too, with some challenging rides over Garburn into Troutbeck and up Green Quarter, following old packhorse trails. In the Lake District more generally, all the larger lakes have boat hire – canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, rowing, kayaking and paddle boarding, with the nearest available in Windermere. Holmescales Riding Centre (01539 729388) and Larkrigg Riding School (015395 60245), both near Kendal, offer horse riding for all ages. For culture, Abbot Hall (01539 722464) in Kendal has some fantastic contemporary exhibitions or try the Brewery Arts Centre (01539 722833) for shows by local artists.  For a retro film experience, try the Royalty in Windermere. 

It's a 5-minute bike ride (2 miles) to Staveley, a thriving village with shops and cafes on the main street. The old Mill Yard has been converted into a series of shops and outlets (including Wheelbase, the largest bike shop in the UK!) For an informal bite, try Wilfs Café (01539 822329; dog-friendly) – great for breakfasts, lunches and snacks – or, a few yards further, try More's Bakery (01539 822297), with a hipster feel and a very cool vibe, serving coffee and, of course, heaps of bread and baked treats. It's a good place to stock up if you're heading into the hills. Out on the Main Street, Mr Duffins coffee shop (01539 822192) has great coffee, which is freshly roasted on the premises, while Café Eclec (01539 821393), not only serves soups, snacks and cakes but it also an antiques shop. If it's pub food you’re after, The Eagle & Child (01539 821320) serves good ales and wholesome food, with a garden right next to the river for sunny days, while The Hawkshead Brewery (01539 822644; back in the Mill Yard) has a good vibe, brews its own beer on site, and has a large lounge upstairs serving tasty food. The village also has a Spar for groceries (there are larger supermarkets in Kendal), a Post Office serving sandwiches and bacon butties and a local butcher. For superb local produce, Low Sizergh Farm Shop (015395 60426) is well worth a stop.