As you’d expect, this national park has lots of lovely lakes but its steep hills are pretty stupendous, too. In fact, the Lakes are home to England’s tallest peak: 978-metre Scafell Pike. Shaped by centuries of sheep farming, this rugged swathe of the northwest is England’s largest national park and has inspired many an artist and writer – the Romantic poet William Wordsworth famously wandered lonely as a cloud here.

The Lake District is not only a great place for hill walks and water-based activities, but it has many literary connections too. Ever wondered what inspired Beatrix Potter to write The Tale of Peter Rabbit? Then you (and any little ones) will love connecting the surrounding landscapes with the stories at the World of Beatrix Potter. Lakeland has inspired writers and many other creatives with its stunning hills and reflective lakes.