Although there is a lot to do and discover in County Durham, you might be wanting to explore more of the UK for a day or plan a weekend break away.

If you don’t want to spend hours travelling to go for a hike or want to avoid spending as much money as possible on fuel but want an outing to a quaint village, you are in luck.

There are a handful of places to visit in the Lake District, less than a two-hour drive from the county.

So grab your walking boots, pack an overnight bag or rustle up your favourite picnic setup and take a look at where you could end up the next time you want to head out on a road trip.

Five places in the Lake District to visit within a 2-hour drive of County Durham

Windermere

Distance to travel in a car: 1 hour 52 minutes (69.6 miles)

Home to England’s largest lake, there are plenty of activities to get involved in and things to see at Windermere.

From booking a cruise boat on Lake Windermere, taking in the history of children’s favourite Beatrix Potter, to wandering around independent shops, there’s a lot going on.

Kendal

Distance to travel in a car: 1 hour 34 minutes (61.6 miles)

If you’re heading to Kendal anytime soon, you might want to stroll alongside the banks of the River Kent or gather your friends and family at Abbot Hall Park for a picnic.

For those wanting to check out the foodie scene, try Masons Yard 24 or Ye Olde Fleece Inn.

19 The Wine Bar could be one for those who know their wine, while The Factory Tap is where you’ll find “the most exciting hand-brewed beers around.”

@mishal.noor23 More solo adventures #lakedistrict #uk #england #staycation #holiday #visitkendal #visitengland #solotravel #solotravelwoman ♬ Bills, Bills, Bills - Destiny's Child

Keswick

Distance to travel in a car: 1 hour 36 minutes (71.5 miles)

This town has been dubbed the “adventure capital of the Lake District” by Keswick Adventures and offers water sports such as ghyll scrambling and paddle boarding.

There are flat walks to embark on like the Derwentwater circular, and the “famous giants” like Blencathra and Skiddaw nearby.

Call in at the Theatre by the Lake which hosts theatre, cinema, talks, live music and exhibitions if you fancy a bit of time to relax.

Grasmere

Distance to travel in a car: 1 hour 53 minutes (79.3 miles)

There are many shops, pubs and cafes to visit in Grasmere, which is famous for its invention of gingerbread by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in 1854.

“Popular walks include following Red Bank Road and then the footpath along the west shore of the lake towards Rydal Water,” adds the Lake District National Park website.

@myloveletterfrom The most charming little place ✨ #thelakedistrict #autumn #fyp #fy #traveluk #uktravel #ukstaycation #visitengland #autumnvibes ♬ You Send Me - Aretha Franklin

Penrith

Distance to travel in a car: 1 hour 19 minutes (55.7 miles)

Just one of the fascinating things you can see in Penrith is Aira Force Waterfall, located close to Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District.

If you can’t resist a bit of shopping when discovering a new place on your travels, the cobbled lanes of the town centre offer a “wealth” of independent shops, writes Discover Penrith.

There are also boutique cafes and restaurants providing “fine dining and world cuisine.”

The website says a farmer's market is open every third Tuesday from March to December, providing fresh local produce for residents and tourists to take home.

A popular local attraction includes Dalemain House and Gardens which has a lot of history behind its dusky pink stone front, which was opened to the public in 1977.