Days out and places to explore in the Lake District

Well known as a foodie heaven! Where Simon Rogan has two of his Michelin-starred restaurants and shop, it is also home of Sticky Toffee Pudding. There is a craft brewery, (nearly every village has one), and varied independent shops.

Ulverston remains a hub of the local community with a market hall, a range of independent shops, and hosts events such as Printfest and a Victorian Christmas Fair. It is the birthplace of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame.

Grange is a Victorian seaside resort, with independent cafes and shops, including Abi & Tom’s garden outlet at the station, and the award-winning makers of ‘Legendary’ pies, Higginsons. Throughout summer it is home to Art On The Prom.

On the way to any of the above, heading south down the lake, a call to Yew Tree Barn is worth a small detour, it is a small but exceptional Antiques and Garden Reclamation centre, with a café and gift shop.

Holker Hall and Gardens are close to this cluster of small towns, combine them for a full day out. We’ve picked these southern destinations as they are still real, thriving communities whose residents live and work there all year round.

There’s an itinerary for some great local gardens and garden centres. There is the astounding Levens Hall with its historic topiary, Elizabethan manor, and popular cafe. National Trust properties include Sizergh Castle, and the Beatrix Potter Garden at Hill Top.

We've handpicked a few of the more oddball, or even Unique things you can do in the lakes.

Old Hall Farm at Bouth, (near Haverthwaite at the south end of Windermere), holds the largest collection of steam-driven vehicles in the North. Get your hands dirty firing up one of these behemoths then take it for a turn.

Old Hall Farm also give you the chance to experience tractor driving and ploughing – or go even more old school and try driving a pair of Shire Horses. Take a look at their experience days.

Try your hand at spinning wool from Herdwick fleece, or dry stone walling at The Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre at Ings, (on the main road between Windermere and Kendal), lets you dabble without committing to a full course of training.

Machines to smash rocks and shift the resulting rubble – the basis of how nearly everything gets built. If you’re mad about old industrial and working vehicles Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum is home to the Vintage Excavator Trust.