Whether you’re upgrading your compass and climbing tackle or you’re more of an all-the-gear-no-idea type who doesn’t want to stick out on the fells, it’s well worth speaking to someone who knows their stuff when shopping for outdoor clothing and equipment. Generations of Lake District locals have stocked up at Keswick’s five-floor George Fisher, owned by pioneering rock climbers and landscape photographers George Dixon and Ashley Perry. The top-floor Abraham’s Café makes for a welcome pit-stop too.

If you’ve not tried Cartmel’s sticky toffee pudding, you’ve not really experienced the Lakes at its best. This stuff is so good it’s sold in Liberty, and has earned the praise of Rick Stein and Nigella Lawson. After you’ve stocked up here (there’s a small café area if you can’t wait to try), saunter across Cartmel’s pocket-sized village square and over a humpback bridge to Unsworth’s Yard where you’ll find a brewery, cheese shop and vintners.

The Lake District holds claim to a hamper full of speciality foodstuffs, including damson cheese, Cumberland sausage and Kendal mint cake (Romney’s is the best; you’ll find it in most shops). By St Oswald’s churchyard (where Wordsworth is buried), just north of Lake Windermere, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Grasmere Gingerbread Shop makes a biscuit-cake hybrid that draws fans from across the world. Rumour has it that Tom Cruise came back for seconds. Created by housemaid-turned-entrepreneur Sarah Nelson in 1854, the gingerbread is spicy, sweet, chewy and moreish. The shop also sells award-winning rum butter.

It’s unsurprising that an area with such an interesting heritage is studded with shops peddling antiques, collectables and vintage ephemera. Though Butterfield & French is a relative newcomer (it opened in 2014), it’s also one of the best, bringing together around 40 individual traders. Time slips away easily when browsing here – ideal for a rainy afternoon activity, as is nearby Abbot Hall Art Gallery. For bigger pieces, try Wilson Reclamation at Yew Tree Barn. We’re working out whether an Edwardian bath will fit in our carry-on.

Farfield Mill stopped spinning wool in the 90s. Since then, in honour of its textile heritage, it has become a charitable cooperative hub for indie creative enterprises who craft everything from silverware to soaps in their studios here. Visit to view exhibitions, watch artisans at work, take part in workshops or simply browse stalls for one-off mementos.