Luxury self-catering accommodation in Spark Bridge

With great lakes to the north and the nearby winding coastline not far south, Spark Bridge is a little enclave for climbers, beachgoers or sailors looking to relax in-between activities. Coniston, Windermere and Esthwaite are stretches of water within easy reach for aqua fans, though nothing is too far once you're inside this beautiful National Park. The River Crake runs through Spark Bridge itself and gives the village its scenic, water-based vibe; plenty of fishing is available for those hoping to get lucky with a trout or salmon catch for dinner.

Smaller travellers will welcome the opportunity to Go Ape at nearby Grizedale Forest, where children can hang around in the trees some 19 metres high. Ford Park, just to the south in Ulverston, has its own excitement for smalls: a 30-metre zip wire nipping across grassy mounds. Nine acres of open space make this the perfect spot for a run around after a day poking around the local towns. Further south still, the Forest of Bowland's 312 square miles of rolling lowlands and moorlands attract wildlife along with the walkers, so bring good binoculars for sightings.