THE SOUTH LAKES
There really is no more beautiful place in the UK than the Lake District and Cartmel is ideally positioned to let you get the most from this unique National Park.
Fabulous walking country
It almost goes without saying that the best way to enjoy the Lakes is on foot, across the thousands of miles of footpaths that criss-cross the hills and valleys.
We've collected quite a few in the Visitor's Guide in the cottage, but one of the best local walks - with amazing views over Morecambe Bay and the whole of the South Lakes - is right behind the cottage, up to the old Hampsfell Hospice.
Wonderful Windermere
At ten and a half miles long and 219 feet deep, Windermere is England's largest lake and it takes its name from the Scandinavian for 'lake of a man called Vinandr'.
The best way to see and enjoy the lake is to take a cruise from Lakeside at the southern tip of Windermere, a 15-20 minute drive from Cartmel just past Newby Bridge. The very pretty passenger boats take 40 minutes to reach Bowness, or 1:20 to get to Ambleside at the far end of the lake.
Holker Hall
A good rainy day walk, thanks to the fact that it is all via well-established tracks and (very quiet) roads, with a nice café at the end, is the walk from Cartmel to Holker Hall.
The Hall features 25 acres of immaculately kept gardens, as well as the grand house, and is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
Grange Over Sands
Grange isn't going to win any prizes for the quality of its nightlife, but don't let its reputation as God's waiting room put you off.
Just two miles from Cartmel, on the gorgeous Morecambe Bay, the village has a gentle charm all its own, not to mention two of the best foodie shops in the northwest - Higginsons the butcher and the amazing Fletcher's grocery store.
ACTIVITIES GALORE
The Lake District is obviously all about the great outdoors and, when you fancy a change from walking and sightseeing, there are plenty of activities to immerse yourself in too - from fishing to quad biking, segways to skyrides.
Since it has been known to rain occasionally in the Lakes, there's also a wide range of indoor pursuits to be found for when the waterproofs just can't take any more
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