Villages in the Lake District

Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere, Windermere, Bowness. Each has its own character. Ambleside is the walkers' hub. Keswick has the best outdoor shops and Derwentwater on the doorstep. Grasmere is Wordsworth and gingerbread. Windermere and Bowness are the busiest, with the steamers and most of the tourist infrastructure.

Smaller villages like Hawkshead, Coniston, and Glenridding are worth the drive. Hawkshead has Beatrix Potter connections. Coniston has the Old Man and the Ruskin Museum. Glenridding is the start of Helvellyn and the Ullswater steamer.

Worth knowing: village car parks fill early on summer weekends. Arrive before 10am or use the bus. The 555 runs the length of the A591 and connects the main centres.