Kendal

Mint cake might be what most people think of first, but Kendal's got proper character beyond its famous sugary export. This ancient market town sits perfectly positioned between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District proper, making it a cracking base for fell walkers who fancy tackling both regions without constantly packing up.

The grey limestone buildings tell stories of centuries past. You'll find Fox's Pulpit tucked away - a atmospheric spot where George Fox preached to early Quakers back in the 1650s. Less well known but equally rewarding is the old Roman Milestone, a reminder that this route's been busy for nearly two millennia.

Wyndhammere offers peaceful walking when the main lakes get too crowded. The surrounding fells are brilliant for getting your boots muddy without fighting for parking spaces. Whinfell Beacon and Birkrigg Hill provide sweeping views across to the proper mountains, while Lambrigg Fell's a decent morning climb that won't leave you knackered for the rest of the day.

Forests dominate the landscape here. Horseclose Wood, Ridding Wood, and Greaves Wood create a proper network of shaded paths perfect for when the weather turns. Fellclose Wood's particularly lovely in autumn, though it's a bit of a trek from the town centre.

The M6 runs right past, making Kendal dead easy to reach from anywhere in the north. Lancaster's the nearest big station if you're coming by train. Several holiday parks dot the area - from glamping pods for those wanting a bit of comfort to proper camping sites where you can pitch up for a fortnight and explore everything the southern Lakes has to offer.