Over the centuries, artists and poets have all been drawn to Grasmere, with its silvery lake, lofty peaks and gentle meadows inspiring them towards greatness.

The most famous of them all, William Wordsworth, settled here and you can explore his life’s work at his former home, Dove Cottage. Many original manuscripts and paintings feature in the museum, along with his families’ personal treasures. Their final resting place is close by too, in St Oswald’s churchyard.

The village itself remains a beautiful spot, with charming slate cottages and some fine independent stores, like the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, which bakes unique biscuit/cake treats to a secret 150-year-old recipe.

But it’s the surrounding countryside that really tempts the crowds, from the still waters of Lake Grasmere to the wild beauty of Easedale Tarn and the imposing cliffs of Helm Crag, there’s an outdoor adventure nearby to suit every age and ability.

• Pretty lakeside village
• Wordsworth’s home & museum
• Amazing natural wonders nearby
• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
• Nice mixture of tea rooms and fine dining