Penrith

Red brick Georgian facades line the main streets, but step beyond the market square and you'll find yourself at the very edge of some of England's most dramatic countryside. Penrith sits in that sweet spot where Cumbrian towns meet proper fell country - close enough to Ullswater that you can be hiking Red Screes or scrambling up Hart Crag within the hour.

The town itself keeps things real. No tourist tat here, just proper shops, decent pubs, and a market that's been running since 1223. It's the kind of place where locals still chat in the street and the butcher knows your name after a fortnight.

What makes Penrith brilliant for walkers is the sheer variety on the doorstep. Fancy a gentle amble? Head to Great Close Wood or Martin Howe Wood for proper woodland paths. Want something with a bit more bite? Place Fell offers cracking views over Ullswater, while Fairfield will have your legs burning but rewards you with panorama that'll stop you dead.

Getting here is straightforward - the M6 runs right past, and there's a decent train service from London. The town's got everything you need: supermarkets, gear shops, and enough cafes to fuel a week of fell walking.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper pub dinner, but wake up surrounded by the kind of scenery that has people booking return visits before they've even packed up. The proximity to both Ullswater and the central fells means you can tackle a different peak each day without spending half your time driving.