The Lake District was made for walking. One of the classic peaks is Helvellyn, with its razor sharp 'Striding Edge'; it's a tough but rewarding climb from Glenridding near The Boathouse at Knotts End on Lake Ullswater. Another favourite of ours is the Old Man of Coniston, in the southwestern corner of the lakes; and there are equally picturesque low level strolls, including Tarn Hows.
Windermere is the largest lake, and the only one to allow motorised boats; you can hire an electric self-drive boat to explore its nooks, crannies and islets, Swallows and Amazons style. Peter Rabbit-lovers (of all ages) must visit Hill Top, the atmospheric, as-it-was 17th-century farmhouse home of Beatrix Potter at Near Sawrey, Hawkshead. Cedar Manor is a great base for these.
Kids large and small will enjoy steam train rides on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which runs from Haverthwaite to the southern end of Lake Windermere. It's a short hop from The Ulverston Hideaway.
Heading east (and away from the crowds), the beautiful Eden Valley which stretches to the Pennines; we love the rugged Howgills and Wild Boar Fell. Fishermen head for the 3 lakes at Bessy Beck Trout Fishery, just the other side of Ravenstonedale, bursting with trout. All ages are welcome, with lessons available for newbies.
If you’re a book lover, hit the cobbled streets of Sedbergh, the Hay on Wye of Cumbria, with its own book festival each September. It's about 30 mins' drive from Augill Castle, on Cumbria's eastern fringe. The market town of Kirkby Lonsdale also has a great range of antique and home deco shops, as well as good delis, including Churchmouse Cheeses, one of the best cheese shops in the country.