FOR many of South Lakeland's residents and frequent visitors it would come as no surprise that the area ranked highly in a recent survey of the UK's best places to raise a family.

Scoring sixth in Halifax's Quality of Life report, South Lakeland came behind the likes of the Shetlands in Scotland and Craven in Yorkshire for its small class sizes, and sprawling outdoor areas.

While we all have our favourite places and spaces to take our families across the area, we thought we would compile a list of South Lakeland's top ten:

Explore the world of William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage, Grasmere

In December 1799 William and Dorothy moved into Dove Cottage. Dorothy was William’s secretary, as William dictated his poetry. In 1802 William married his childhood companion Mary Hutchinson, and the first three of their five children were born.

The museum boasts a wealth of activities and exhibitions and is planning a special project for the poets 250th anniversary.

Lake District hotel crowned 'most romantic' in UK

The world of Beatrix Potter, Bowness

The Lake District’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife inspired Beatrix Potter to write her much-loved stories.

View the stunning scenery alongside you favourite creation of Ms Potter.

Sizergh Castle, Sizergh

The Strickland family has lived at Sizergh for more than 750 years, and it remains their home today.

Set in large, beautifully landscaped gardens and based on an impressive 14th Century solar tower, Sizergh was extended in Tudor times.

A romantic mansion with some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country, a good collection of English furniture and family portraits, set in large gardens containing part of the National Collection of Hardy Ferns, enchanting wildflower and water gardens.

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Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Hawkshead

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, this outdoor haven offers gentle walks alongside exhilarating mountain bike rides as well as swinging through the trees on GoApe.

Butterfly spotting at Witherslack woodlands

A beautiful setting for some prime wildlife photography.

Get ready to spot spring species of butterflies, including Pearl-bordered and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.

Hoad, Ulverston

A firm favourite for walkers and runners, Hoad boats spectacular views over Ulverston and Morecambe Bay.

The Sir John Barrow monument is a listed grad 2 building and was built in 1850.

It can be seen for many miles and has become a symbol of the market town standing on the 450 ft high summit of Hoad Hill.

Fell Foot, Newby Bride Windermere

Fell Foot Park is a country park, formerly the grounds of a Victorian house, situated beside Windermere, and in the ownership of the National Trust.

Whether you’re into running, walking, swimming or boating, there's always something to do.

Around the park there is a fantastic run route and tranquil meadow walks.

They are coming - Ambleside red squirrel haven braces itself for grey invasion

Windermere

The linked towns of Windermere and Bowness are at the very heart of the Lake District, with England’s longest lake on their doorstep.

Bowness is Cumbria’s most popular destination, boasting a cosmopolitan mix of shops and restaurants, and a large choice of accommodation to suit all pockets.

The countryside around Windermere and Bowness, including the Lyth and Winster valleys, is rich in gourmet pubs and country house hotels offering fine dining second-to-none.

The Great North Swim, sailing and watersports are popularas are lake cruises, rock climbing and paragliding.

A short walk from Windermere takes you to Orrest Head, an outstanding viewpoint.

Coniston

Coniston village and water makes for some scenic snaps.

Located in the southern part of the Lake District National Park, between Coniston Water, the third longest lake in the Lake District and Coniston Old Man, the village boasts country pubs and number of quaint shops.

Dalton Zoo is completely FREE ENTRY until October 20

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Travel back in time when you climb aboard the train.

A distant memory of bygone years for some and new experiences for others, this offers a fun day out for all the family.

Jump aboard the train at Haverthwaite Station and enjoy views from your carriage up to Lakeside- the southern tip of Windermere.