It is raining in the Lake District. But while our friends back home think it’s amusing that the only waterproof we’ve bought is my mascara, I’m actually feeling pretty smug.

We’ve come to the lakes for some much needed R&R and for me, enjoying a glass of red wine and admiring the views from the comfort of our luxury hideaway while raindrops hammer down on its roof, is just what the doctor ordered.

We’ve just checked into Holgates Caravan Park’s flagship site in Silverdale. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty amid more than 100 acres of woodland and countryside overlooking breathtaking views of Morecambe Bay, it’s a perfect family or romantic getaway location that is open all year around.

There really is everything you need – swimming pool, sauna, restaurant, shop, gym, bowling alley, several playgrounds for the children and perfectly manicured wide open spaces.

We’re staying in the top of the range Swift Chamonix static caravan and it can only be described as a home from home with its chic two bedrooms, two bathrooms and even a walk in wardrobe.

There’s a stunning open plan kitchen and living room with a cosy fire, flat screen TV and the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sunk into with views onto its private veranda and beyond.

Holgates is family friendly so there are people of all ages here – and that means we are spoilt for choice with food. We ventured to the local pub The Royal Silverdale one evening for a delicious Sunday roast. But the club house was just as tasty with homecooked family favourites – and I’m still day-dreaming about the Oreo cheesecake.

If you can drag yourself from the blissful cabin and park, there is plenty to do and its location with historic Kendal – the “Gateway to the Lakes” is just 15 miles away, it really is the perfect base to explore.

Our first day we took The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway to step back in time on a steam train ride to the southern tip of Lake Windermere to board the famous Windermere Lake Cruises on its Islands Cruise, a 45-minute circular cruise around the lake’s shoreline and islands.

Though it had been raining a lot since we arrived, the Lakes never fail to surprise and the morning sun revealed a view that would probably have had local poet William Wordsworth struggling for words.

We hopped off at the scenic town of Bowness where we enjoyed an ice cream while meandering around its winding streets packed with shops, cafes and art galleries before trying out a romantic rowing boat to explore the lake at our own pace before we cruised back.

The following day, we proved the splendour of the Lake District scenery can be enjoyed even if you don’t fancy pulling on a pair of boots – by taking a road trip. The weather was so beautiful we opted for the roof down in the car and headed out to explore further afield.

We stopped by the famous beauty spot Tarn Hows, a stunning manmade lake for its circular two mile walk before driving through Coniston where we couldn’t help but pull up to walk to the end of the much-photographed wooden jetty to soak in the views.

The Lake District was designated a national park in 1951 and covers 885 square miles of Cumbria and all the land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level lies within it.

At 3,210 feet, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and Wastwater, one of 19 bodies of water dotted about the park, is its deepest lake. A haven for ramblers, climbers, campers and tourists who adore its imposing peaks and aweinspiring landscapes, it’s a place that never fails to impress.

To get our adrenaline fix, we couldn’t resist driving back through the spectacular Hardknott Pass, one of Britain’s most challenging roads, and though its testing climbs, dips and tight bends are not for the faint-hearted, the incredible scenery made for some of the best memories of the trip.

The Lake District has so many attractions it’s easy to spend your time in a whirlwind of activity roaming those craggy peaks and fells.

But if you just want to pause a while, gather your senses and drink in those perfect views with your favourite people far from the madding crowd, Silverdale could just possibly prove to be the best attraction of all.

FACTBOX

Tara stayed in a Swift Chamonix static caravan at Holgates Silverdale Park. Holgates offer three, four and seven night stays in their luxury holiday homes, with prices starting at £195 Tourers and Campers are charged from £36 per night.

And luxury camping pods £55 Call Holgates on 01524 701508 or visit holgates.co.uk/silverdale for more information.

For those interested in owning their own static caravan, prices for Swift models range from £20,785 for the two-bedroom Loire holiday home to £47,305 for the top of the range two-bedroom Chamonix.

Visit swiftgoup.co.uk for further details.

Activities:

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and Windermere Lake Cruises combined ticket, return £16.20 for adults, £9.50 children and £46 for a family ticket (two adults, three children).

Rowing Boat Hire with Windermere Lake Cruises from Bowness: £15 for a one hour hire.

Open every day in the summer from 9am, accompanied children under 16 go free and there’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.

For more information about the Lake District go to golakes.co.uk