Highside Farm

When you’ve wandered by Bassenthwaite Lake and conquered Skiddaw mountain, turn your attention to some of the area’s other top walking and cycling picks, including Dodd Wood (five minutes’ drive) and Whinlatter Forest Park, where there’s also a Go Ape (15 minutes). Be on the lookout for wildlife sightings while you explore, too. Time can also be well spent strolling around some pretty houses and gardens nearby. Mirehouse & Gardens (five minutes) has woodland adventure playgrounds and picnic areas, while Wordsworth House and Garden (20 minutes), the childhood home of romantic poet William Wordsworth, is one for the literary fans. For more history, get your creative juices flowing at Derwent Pencil Museum (10 minutes), check out the prehistoric monument, Castlerigg Stone Circle (15 minutes) or set off an underground tour of Honister Slate Mine (35 minutes). Make the most of your proximity to Derwentwater and catch a performance at Theatre by the Lake (15 minutes), or take to the water with lake cruises and boat hire (15 minutes). There are more than 100 species of animals to spot at the 25-acre Lake District Wildlife Park (10 minutes), with indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids; meanwhile, adults might like to opt for tours and tastings at Jennings Brewery (20 minutes).