THINGS TO SEE & DO
Here are some 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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There's a good selection of guide books and up to date brochures from local attractions in the living room. Also, have a look at the YouTube channel (a work in progress!) which has some videos I've made of the best things to do in the area.
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...and if you're new to the Lakes or have a limited amount of time, you'll find my ideas for the perfect three night stay here.
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.
The 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 April to early 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.
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.
The Windermere Car Ferry (9 miles)
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A ferry has crossed this part of the lake for hundreds of years. It's current incarnation is the Mallard which takes cars, cyclists and foot passengers between Sawrey and Ferry Nab near Bowness.
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I recommend: Check the timetable! The ferry usually runs every 20 minutes from dawn till dusk, but it's always best to check.
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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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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 for 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.
Explore the fells (all around you!)
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For many people, the Lake District is about one thing: walking the hundreds of miles of paths to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The good news is, it's all right on your doorstep.
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I recommend: Browse through the guidebooks in the living room for inspiration, or watch my video of the lovely walk up Loughrigg.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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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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Need some supplies? You'll find shops selling top quality food and drink in nearby Ulverston (fun fact: 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'.