THINGS TO SEE & DO
Here's a selection of the best things to see and do in the southern Lake District together with approximate driving distances from Backbarrow in brackets. Each title has a link which will take you to the venue's own website and more information.
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...you'll find guide books and up to date brochures from local attractions in the living room too.
A Cruise on Windermere​​ (3 miles away)
Stretching for 10 miles, Windermere is England's largest lake. Victorian steamers have been a way of life here for over 100 years and one of the hopping-on points is only 3 miles away at Lakeside.
I recommend: Take a boat up to Bowness or Ambleside and watch the scenery glide by.
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The narrow, winding streets of Cartmel lead to the village square with its pubs, shops and whitewashed cottages. Cartmel even has its own racecourse!
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I recommend: A visit to the village shop, the home of sticky toffee pudding.
The Windermere Jetty Museum (10 miles)
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Windermere's boating history is brought to life here. Steam launches, sailing yachts and speed boats along with stories of the people who built them are on display in an award-winning building.
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I recommend: The cafe. The food is good and the view looking out over Windermere is amazing.
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Owned by the National Trust, Fell Foot is a lakeshore park where you can hire equipment such as paddleboards and canoes. Lawns & meadows plus the Boathouse cafe mean you can take it easy too.
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I recommend: A stroll along the shore for water side views of the southern part of Windermere.
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Grizedale has eight waymarked walking trails, routes for mountain bikes and over 50 unique artworks scattered throughout the forest. Grizedale really does get you out into the countryside!
I recommend: Hire a mountain bike at the visitor centre and see this beautiful landscape on two wheels..
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With its famous bridge house, Ambleside is a busy town, full of outdoor clothing shops and places to eat. It's also the starting point of many walks, from low level strolls to high mountain climbs.
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I recommend: Climb the 30-minute hike up to Todd Crag on Loughrigg for the most spectacular views of Windermere.
Hawkshead is possibly the most picture-perfect Lake District village. Whitewashed cottages and cobbled alleys huddle around the square with its pubs, cafes and shops.
I recommend: A drive or cycle down the shore of nearby Esthwaite, one of the most beautiful lakes in the area.
Beatrix Potter's home at Hilltop (8 miles)
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Now owned by the National Trust, Hilltop is Beatrix Potter's farmhouse, the inspiration for many of her stories including the tales of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and Squirrel Nutkin.
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I recommend: The area around the house which is planted in the English Country Garden style with its flowers and vegetables.
The Lakeland Motor Museum (half a mile)
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Just a 10 minute walk away, 30,000 exhibits including 140 classic cars and motorbikes have been brought together to showcase more than 100 years of motoring heritage.
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I recommend: The Campbell Bluebird Exhibition, a tribute to the racing careers of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway (half a mile)
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Home to a collection of steam locomotives and railway memorabilia, the line runs passenger trains from Haverthwaite to Lakeside from March to November.
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I recommend: Combine your steam train ticket with a cruise on Windermere all the way up to Bowness and Ambleside.
Holker Hall & Gardens (5 miles)
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Home to the Cavendish family, Holker is a great place to spend the day. There's an events calendar of theatre & music, celebrations of local food, markets and seasonal festivities throughout the year.
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I recommend: Losing yourself in the beautifully landscaped gardens, particularly in summer.
The Cinema at Zeffirellis (14 miles)
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Zeffirellis is an independent, state of the art cinema in Ambleside with five (yes, FIVE!) screens showing the latest releases and the occasional classic.
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I recommend: The film and meal deal. Have a bite to eat in the restaurant (see Places to Eat & Drink) plus a reserved cinema seat.
The Old Laundry Theatre (9 miles)
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The Old Laundry is a thriving theatre for residents and visitors to the Lake District. For over 30 years it's welcomed famous names from Bill Bailey to Victoria Wood to Alan Ayckbourn.
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I recommend: Book early as tickets go quickly, although last minute admissions are sometimes possible.
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Grasmere is a beautiful village which was once the home of the poet William Wordsworth. The traditional Lakeland stone architecture houses lots of cafes, pubs, shops and galleries.
I recommend: Sarah Nelson's tiny shop next to the church for the local delicacy: Grasmere Gingerbread.
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Need some supplies? You'll find shops selling top quality food and drink in nearby Ulverston (side info: Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel).
I recommend: Booth's, part of a family owned chain of supermarkets known locally as the 'Waitrose of the North'.