Ambleside

There is much to discover in Ambleside. It is a very popular village, right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. It is situated at the northern tip of Lake Windermere.

There has been a settlement here since Roman times, but Ambleside is mainly Victorian. It is surrounded by fells and stunning scenery.

It has many excellent shops, including many outdoor clothing stores, restaurants, bars and cafes. There is something for all tastes and many places to eat in the town centre without the need to take the car.

Lovely walks abound from the town to Wansfell, Loughrigg and around Fairfield Horeshoe. For the slightly less energetic there is the opportunity to take the Lake Steamers from Waterhead at Ambleside down to Bowness, Brockhole and the southern extremities of the Lake including the Aquarium at Newby Bridge.

 

Many well known characters have been connected with Ambleside including William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter. More about these people can be found in the Armitt Museum on the edge of the town. There are many Beatrix Potter watercolours on display here. Ambleside provides good access to the rest of the Lake District. It is a short drive to Hawkshead, Grasmere and Coniston. Access to Windemere and Bowness is also very easy along major roads. The northern town of Keswick is slightly further away either through Grasmere or via the notorious Kirkstone Pass.

A short walk form the town leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall which may be viewed from a railed viewpoint. Stock Ghyll is one of the most photographed scenes in the Lake District, and is now a shop and information centre for the National Trust

Sites for further information:

www.visitcumbria.com
www.amblesideonline.co.uk

Restaurants

There are may restaurant and eating establishments both in Ambleside and in the surrounding areas.  Some suggestions that you may wish to consider could be:-

Zeffirellis

About 5 mins from Loughrigg Brow across the park. It is not only the local cinema but also has live jazz bands playing in the upstairs bar.  See www.zeffirellis.com for further information

Lucys

There is a restaurant, wine bar, delicatessen, and many other things as well!!  All come highly recommended.  See www.lucysofambleside.co.uk or www.lucys-on-a-plate.co.uk for further information

Drunken Duck Inn

If you are happy to travel slightly further a field then there is the well renowned Drunken Duck Inn at Barngates.  See www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk for further information.