South Windermere Sailing Club

The sailing club sits right on the water at the southern tip of Windermere, and unless you're actually planning to get out on the lake yourself, there's not much to see from the shore. This is a proper working club with members who know what they're doing - it's not a spectator sport venue or a casual drop-in affair.

That said, if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Hill of Oaks is barely half a mile away, or Park Cliffe just over a mile up the road - and you've got even passing interest in sailing, it's worth poking your head in. The club runs courses for beginners and offers day memberships if you fancy getting on the water. The views across the lake are decent, and the energy around the club on a breezy weekend is genuinely infectious.

Families with older kids who can swim might find a taster session worth the time and cost. Younger children will find it dull unless they're already keen on boats. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a lesson; much less if you're just having a look around.

The location near Ulverston makes it a handy addition to a broader Lake District trip, though it's really only worthwhile if sailing appeals. On a flat day with no wind and no activity on the water, it's just a quiet corner of the lake. Check their website before you go - opening hours aren't published and you'll want to know if anything's actually happening.