Things to do in Glenridding and Ullswater, Lake District

9 miles along the eastern shore. The best day out in the eastern Lakes for couples — quiet, varied, finish back in the village for dinner.

Wet weather doubles the force of the waterfall. The gorge is extraordinary in heavy rain — bring waterproofs, lunch afterwards at the NT tearoom.

Lakeside hotel restaurant. Lake views, fell views, careful menu. Book ahead for dinner. CA11 0PE.

4.5 miles, 2.5 hours, lower fell with views over the entire length of Ullswater. Quieter than Helvellyn — most couples prefer it.

The lake is a Dark Sky Discovery site. Drive a mile out of the village on a clear night — the Milky Way over Place Fell is extraordinary.

1.5 miles, 45 minutes, manageable for children 6+. Several bridge viewpoints over the falls. NT car park at CA11 0JS.

Flat, from the village, river-edge. Very short, brilliant for small children — paddling spots, stepping stones, easy out-and-back.

50-minute journey, good for kids who enjoy the boats. Pooley Bridge has shops, cafés and the river. Steamer back when you're done.

Small shingle beach by the pier. Paddling and stone skimming. Free. Quiet outside July and August.

20-minute drive to Penrith. Grass-roofed arts centre, cinema, exhibitions, food hall. Free entry. The big wet-weather option for families.

Dark Sky Discovery site. Extraordinary stargazing from the shore on clear nights. Bring blankets, a flask and a head torch — there are no streetlights.

Hire from Glenridding, paddle north up the eastern shore (around 2 hours), steamer back. The lake from water level is a different lake entirely.

Mid-March to mid-April. The actual bank near Aira Force where William and Dorothy saw the daffodils on 15 April 1802. Quietly extraordinary if you know the poem.

The alternative Helvellyn ridge — less famous than Striding Edge, equally spectacular. Most experienced walkers go up Striding, down Swirral.

Small Victorian church 2 miles south of Glenridding. William Morris stained glass windows — easy to miss but genuinely good. Free, always open.

At its absolute best in heavy rain. The gorge amplifies the sound and the volume doubles. Bring waterproofs, lunch at the NT tearoom afterwards.

Coffee, cake, lake views, shelter. Comfortable lounge, big windows. The local refuge from the weather. CA11 0PE.

20 miles. Rheged arts centre — cinema, exhibitions, food hall, climbing. Free entry. Easy half day undercover.

25 miles. Pencil Museum, Keswick Museum, Honister Slate Mine. The other big wet-weather option from Glenridding.

Lower-level shore walk, sheltered by the fell — works in most weather. Steamer to Howtown, walk back 7 miles. The wet-day fell-walker's plan.

From the pier north along the shore. Flat, off-lead sections, dog-friendly throughout. The most underrated dog walk in the Lakes.

Dogs welcome on the waterfall walk. Keep on lead near the gorge edges and on the upper steps. Dog bowls at the NT tearoom afterwards.

Dogs welcome, no livestock issues on the upper fell. Off-lead on the summit ridge. Big views over the lake. 4.5 miles.

Dog-friendly throughout. Beer garden with the best Ullswater view in the area. A592, CA11 0PW. Water bowls out.

Steamer to Howtown with the dog, walk back along the Ullswater Way. Mostly off-lead, lake-edge throughout. Dogs sleep well that night.