Ulverston

Market day still draws proper crowds to this compact south Lakeland town, though the stallholders have been setting up in the same spots for generations. Ulverston sits at the southern edge of the Lake District, where the fells start to roll into gentler countryside - close enough to the drama but far enough away to avoid the summer circus.

The town centre feels properly lived-in rather than polished for tourists. Independent shops line the cobbled streets, and you'll find everything from proper hardware stores to specialist cheese shops. Stan Laurel was born here, and there's a small museum celebrating the comedy legend tucked away on Upper Brook Street.

Walk up to Hoad Monument for cracking views across Morecambe Bay - it's a bit of a slog but well worth it on a clear day. The surrounding countryside offers serious walking without the Lake District's tourist pressures. Gummer's How provides one of the finest viewpoints in southern Lakeland, while the forests around Great Wood and Astley's Plantation make for peaceful afternoon rambles.

Morecambe Bay stretches out to the west, and when the tide's right, you can walk across the sands - though only with a proper guide. The bay's famous for its shrimps and its quicksand in equal measure.

Ulverston sits on the A590, making it easily accessible by car from both the M6 and the central Lakes. The railway station connects to the main west coast line, though services can be patchy. Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you within striking distance of both Windermere and the Furness Peninsula, while keeping you clear of the Lake District's priciest accommodation.