Some 16 lakes are to be found within a 30-mile wide expanse of Cumbria, hemmed in by England’s tallest mountains. Langdale Hotel (01539 438014), which lies four miles from Lake Windermere, has a pool, a choice of restaurants and a spa. There’s also an abundance of activities right on the doorstep, both wet – including the boat ride from Ambleside to Bowness (described by Good Housekeeping’s Art Editor, Tom Shone, as ‘achingly beautiful’) – and dry, such as the popular World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

You might also like...

Days out in the Northwest

Five great British walks

One of the best ways to appreciate our coast, from both a scenic and a historic perspective, is from the deck of a ship. A nine-night cruise aboard the  800-passenger Ocean Countess (0845 430 0274; www.cruiseandmaritime.com), for example, will cast off from Liverpool on 14 September to visit ports in Ireland, Wales, Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly – all at a cost of less than £100pp per day. The five-star Crystal Symphony (020 7287 9040; www.crystalcruises.co.uk) also has an 11-day round-Britain cruise, leaving Dover on 25 August and calling at Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Holyhead, Waterford, Portland and Guernsey; from £3,458pp for the whole trip.

You might also like...

Days out in the Southwest

Explore the labyrinth of Britain’s canals and navigable waterways at a gentle pace on board your own boat. The Hoseasons’ (0844 847 1115) fleet, for example, ranges from traditional barges on canals all over the country to all-mod-con vessels on the Norfolk Broads. For those who prefer to leave sailing to the professionals and sit back and cruise in super-pampered style, European Waterways (01753 598555) has all-inclusive holidays aboard hotel barges on the Thames, the Shannon in Ireland and the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness in Scotland.

You might also like...

Explore Britain's canals

Fancy simply dipping a toe in the water? You could rent a day boat from a number of bases in the UK from as little as £11pp a day - most equipped with a loo, cooker and fridge, through Drifters Waterways (0844 984 0322). If you prefer a day trip that leaves the driving to someone else, consider a jaunt on the immaculately restored Edwardian river cruiser Genevieve (left), moored at Hurley, near Henley-on-Thames. Perfect for a special day out (for up to 10). Call 020 9758 4797; www.vintagethamescharters.com.

You might also like...

Plan a great day out, nationwide

The year's big news for walkers was the opening (in May) of the Wales Coast Path, the world's first continuous path running the entire coast of a country. A unique achievement that took six years and £14 million to create, the 8970-mile path takes in the rocky headlands of Anglesey, the magnificently scenic Pembrokeshire National Park, the gentle shorelines of the River Dee and the Newport Levels. Walk the full route, and you'll also tot up 18 mediaeval castles, 12 national nature reserves, 41 Blue Flag beaches and towns such as Swansea, Cardigan and Llandudno.

Visit www.walescoastpath.gov.uk for more details.

You might also like...

Take a walk in Wales

Wilderness Scotland (01316 256635) has a whole range of holidays on water. These include several guided kayaking trips, such as six days on Europe’s first long-distance sea kayaking trail, following a newly opened link between the Isle of Gigha and Oban, exploring the lochs, firths and smaller islands in between. From £845pp B&B with packed lunches, equipment and local transport. Other ideas include family canoeing on the Great Glen loch.

You might also like...

Get out and about on a Scottish walk

A number of hotels belonging to the Pride of Britain scheme (0800 089 3929) offer front-of-house locations on both lakes and rivers. These include the French Horn, an old riverside inn on the Thames at Sonning (left), which has a wonderful terrace for summer dining flanked by weeping willow trees; Maison Talbooth, right beside the River Stour in the heart of Suffolk’s Constable Country; and The Priory in Wareham, Dorset, set in four acres of lovingly cultivated garden on the banks of the River Frome – and there’s even a boathouse bedroom for the ultimate water-based retreat.

You might also like...

Stroll beside a river

Although many people shudder at the mere thought of going under water in the UK, it makes sense at least to try out scuba diving in your local pool, or take the first steps towards certification, before doing an open-water course or booking a diving holiday in warmer, clearer seas. The best first stop is the PADI website.

Bring out your inner Ellen MacArthur by signing up for a sailing course. Sunsail (0844 463 6578), best known for its worldwide range of flotilla and independent sailing holidays, has two UK bases where novices can learn the ropes: Port Solent, near Portsmouth, and Weymouth. Choose from a one-day ‘taster’ or flotilla holiday training right  through the full range of nautical qualifications. There are also courses specifically for women, teenagers and families.

If you were any closer to the water at the Riverside Cottage in Syleham, Suffolk, your feet would get wet. Part of a converted watermill on the reedy and floral banks of the River Waveney, it’s in the heart of a conservation area and sleeps five. Guests enjoy fishing rights, a rowing boat and a small private island accessed via a wooden bridge. Book with Rural Retreats (01386 701177).

You might also like...

Big holiday properties for big gatherings