THINGS TO SEE & DO
Here are some of the best things to see and do in the southern Lake District, all within a 30 minute drive of Backbarrow.
Each title has a link which will take you to more information on the venue's own website.
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Some of the entries on this page have a YouTube logo next to them. Each of these links to a video I've made about that particular place or attraction. The videos are a work in progress, so bear with me as I add new ones on the YouTube channel.
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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.
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 Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
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This home to a collection of steam locomotives and railway memorabilia is just a 10 minute walk away. The line runs passenger trains from Haverthwaite to Lakeside from April 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.
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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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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 lake shore park where you can hire equipment such as paddle boards 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.
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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.
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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.
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Just a 10 minute walk away, classic cars and motorbikes have been brought together to showcase more than 100 years of motoring history. The museum has a very good cafe overlooking the river too!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Victoria Wood Theatre in Bowness on Windermere is a thriving venue which welcomes famous names to a fantastically varied programme of music, drama and events throughout the year.
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I recommend: Book early as tickets go quickly, although last minute admissions are sometimes possible too.
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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 way-marked walking trails, routes for mountain bikes and over 50 unique artworks scattered through 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, along with a range of pubs and restaurants. Fun fact: Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel.
I recommend: Booth's, part of the family owned chain of supermarkets known locally as the 'Waitrose of the North'.