Keswick

Keswick is the beating heart of the northern Lake District — a handsome market town on the shore of Derwentwater, ringed by fells and packed with everything a hillwalker needs. Catbells rises straight across the lake, Skiddaw and Blencathra loom over the town, and the high central fells, including Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, are within easy reach. If you want one basecamp for Lakeland walking, this is the obvious choice.

The town has real character: a bustling market square, more outdoor shops than seems reasonable, good pubs and cafés, and the lovely Derwentwater with its launch boats and quiet western shore. It is busy in season — this is one of England's most popular walking destinations — but for good reason.

Unlike the Alpine towns on this list there is no skiing here; the Lakes are all about the walking, the fells and the lakes themselves. What Keswick offers is unbeatable access to some of the finest low-altitude mountain scenery in Britain, at a fraction of Alpine prices.

Spring and autumn are the pick — firmer paths, clearer air, and the autumn colours around Borrowdale and Derwentwater are superb. Summer is glorious but crowded, with busy trails and full car parks; arrive early. Winter walking is fine in good conditions, though the higher fells can be genuinely wintry and icy from December to March.

Keswick is about an hour's drive from the M6 (junction 40 at Penrith), roughly two hours from Manchester or Newcastle airports. There is no train to Keswick itself, but frequent buses connect it from Penrith station, which is on the West Coast Main Line. A car is useful for the further trailheads, though many classic walks start from town or a short bus ride away.