Grasmere is perhaps the most celebrated village in the Lake District — home of William Wordsworth and set in a perfect bowl of fells around a shimmering lake. The walking from the village is outstanding, from the short but character-filled ascent of Helm Crag to the longer horseshoes into the surrounding fells.

Grasmere is wonderfully compact and walking-friendly, with the fells rising directly from the village. The Wordsworth connections and the famous gingerbread shop make it equally popular with non-walkers, so arrive early or midweek in summer.