We know what you’re thinking, your parents and their draughts club go to the Lake District, right? Well turns out the draughts club knows what’s up...

There’s nothing boring about glacial lakes that fall like silky ribbons and crumbly, calf-shredding mountains. The villages are historic and cutesy but they’re also packing forward-thinking restaurants and bars.

Forget everything you thought you knew.

We’re here to rediscover the Lake District…

The Lake District is a tea cosy of a region.

It’s a wholesome patchwork of quaint towns and villages that knit together like old-fashioned puzzle pieces. Smells like freshly cut grass and tastes like pints in cosy pubs. SOLD.

Each cluster of villages has its own personality, and pretty much it’s own slice of lake action. If you want to escape the crowds Loweswater is one of the least-visited lakes. It’s pretty much just some cottages and farms with a beaut lake walk. And the Kirkstile Inn.

Coniston Water is also dreamy. It’s all craggy clifftop walks and waterfall hikes. Buttermere is a little more laid back but has some great walking too, check out Red Pike, High Stile, and Haystacks.

But the real MVP is Windermere. It’s the second largest lake in the area and a total all-rounder. There are watersports and hikes but also Beatrix Potter’s former home, arts and crafts architecture, and fine-dining restaurants.

Big copper vats and tumblers of liquid gold… The Lakes Distillery is like a dream you had.

These guys are all about ‘holistic’ whisky making which basically means one guy oversees the whole artisanal process. By whisky standards this distillery is still a baby. A gin-soaked sparkly ultra-modern baby.

Stroll round the Victorian farmstead on a whisky tasting tour. After, head outside to the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and meet the alpacas.

Scafell Pike is the highest point in England and looks like its been plucked straight out of Middle Earth. Do your best Legolas impression as you hike up this brute. You’re rewarded at the top with dreamy views.

“WHEEEEEEYYY. That was GNARLY, MAN!!”

After three hours mountain-biking your way round Whinlatter Forest you’ll be a fully signed up member of the two-sizes-too-small lycra club. It’s £20 to hire a bike for three hours. Plenty of time to embarrass yourself on the ramps and switchbacks (cycling term, don’t worry about it).

“This is what it must feel like to be stranded at sea and spot a lighthouse…”

Don’t be dramatic.

Still, Crafty Baa is the most welcoming thing you’ll find after a bracing walk round Windermere. Outside there’s bunting and fairy lights and a happy chaotic mess of old cart wheels and wooden signage. This place was built using 80% recycled materials. Inside the bar is tiny but the beer selection is massive.

After wetting your whistle head up the road to The Smith. It’s all sheepskin benches, stonebaked pizzas, and stylish cocktails.

In Ambleside? You’ll want to look for The Old Stamp House. A teensy flagstone spot with dishes that are (almost) too pretty to eat. If you spent all your dollar on souvenirs head for Gandhi’s Cafe instead.

These guys serve up veggie and vegan plates that are good for your insides and budget.