Riverside

Sizergh is a Grade I listed castle and stately home about 4 miles south of Kendal, in the Lake District National Park. The oldest part is a tower from the fourteenth or fifteenth century. Inside, you'll find oak-panelled rooms, including the Inlaid Chamber, plus Strickland family portraits and paintings linked to the Stuart court in exile.

Tip: Dogs are welcome on the wider estate, but only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens, so plan your route accordingly.

Lakes Aquarium sits in the village of Lakeside on the southern shore of Windermere. It opened in 1997 and is now themed around the lakes of the world, with both freshwater and salt water animals. Displays cover the Lake District, Asia, Africa, the Americas, marine life and Morecambe Bay.

Tip: The Windermere Lake Cruises dock and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway are both here, so you can arrive by boat or steam train.

Lowther Castle is a ruined country house near Penrith, built in the early 19th century and left as a dramatic shell after the roof was removed and the building demolished in the 1950s. You can explore the ruins, then wander the 130 acres of gardens, which include the Parterre, the Garden-in-the-Ruins, the Rose Garden, wildflower meadows and rambling woodland.

Tip: Walk out to the Western Terrace for a spectacular view over the Lowther Valley to the Lake District mountains, and dress for all weathers.

Levens Hall is a privately owned house and garden five miles south of Kendal, at the gateway to the Lake District National Park. It grew from a medieval pele tower into an Elizabethan family home, with fine panelling and plasterwork in the main rooms. It also has links to the Duke of Wellington.

Tip: Tickets can be bought online in advance or on arrival at the entrance kiosk, and online tickets aren't tied to a date or time.

Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic building on the west shore of Windermere, looked after by the National Trust. The parkland has waymarked trails that start at the front of the castle, and the lakeshore has a shingle beach with easy access to the water.

Tip: You can arrive without a car: the Windermere Lake Cruises Green Cruise calls at Wray jetty from Ambleside, and it is a short walk up to the castle and café.

Brougham Castle is a red-sandstone castle standing near the site of a Roman fort, guarding a river crossing south-east of Penrith. It was founded in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, and his great keep still dominates the site. The powerful Clifford family later added more buildings, including an unusual double gatehouse and the Tower of League.

Tip: Head up the spiral stairs to the top of the keep for panoramic views over the Eden Valley.

Dove Cottage is the whitewashed Lakeland house on the edge of Grasmere where William Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy. It is a Grade I listed building that remains largely unchanged from Wordsworth's day. Visits begin with an introductory tour led by a member of the team, taking you through rooms with slate floors and oak panelling.

Tip: Entry to the cottage is at timed slots, so book ahead online to secure your tour.

Blackwell is a Grade I listed house above Windermere, designed by architect M H Baillie Scott as a holiday home. It keeps almost all of its original features, from the fireplace tiles, carved stone and wood panelling to stained glass, mosaic floors and the plasterwork of the White Drawing Room.

Tip: The tea room stops serving main meals at 3pm, so plan lunch accordingly.