AMBLESIDE

What we love about it

Proudly positioned at the head of Lake Windermere, the famous town of Ambleside has more than earned its seat on the throne. The gateway to the Langdales and thronged by woodland walks galore, Ambleside is the place any walker worth their salt continues to return to.  

Indelibly linked to the Lakes Poets Wordsworth and Shelley its modern alumni include graduates of the University of Cumbria, whose Ambleside campus is situated at the north of the town.

Yes, the tourists love Ambleside, and with good reason too! Filled with the finest eateries, bars and gear shops around, the animated ether of Ambleside is intoxicating as walkers, climbers, shoppers, visitors and locals alike flock to the historic town in search of entertainment, exhilaration and enjoyment.

About

With an illustrious market town history, this town of 2,600 was once a commercial centre for agriculture and the wool trade. Ideally located for exploring the surrounding Lake District, the ferry terminal at Waterhead Pier has its origins as far back as 1845 and is on hand to transport visitors to Bowness, Newby Bridge, Wray Castle and even Brockhole Visitor Centre, making it a perfect base for all your Lake District adventures. 

Story

William Wordsworth famously incurred the ire of his friend and contemporary Percy Bysshe Shelley when he took up the post of Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland in 1813 in Ambleside, when living in nearby Rydal Mount.  

Learn about the wealthy Braithwaites and their local influence with a trip to 17th century Bridge House, spanning Stock Beck in the centre of Ambleside. Once used for storing apples and initially built to allow access to the lands on the far side of the beck, it stands as a testament to the varied industries once at work in Ambleside, its former incarnations including counting house, weavers, cobblers and it was even home to a family of eight!  

Be sure to catch the Ambleside Christmas Lights and Lantern Procession, an annual tradition taking place on the third Sunday of November. 

Where to eat

Take a trip to Chesters By The River for a casual lunch. With a variety of veggie options on the menu and ‘cakes made in heaven’ according to one more than satisfied customer, Chesters is the place to sit and ponder over tea and dessert whilst the river rushes by.  

Wainwright’s Inn offers traditional Lakeland fare nearby with a hearty pub menu and selection of local ales.  

The Priest Hole Restaurant, part of Kelsick Old Hall, is full of atmospheric original features and one of the oldest buildings in Ambleside. It uses local producers including Hawkshead Relish Company, Farrer’s of Kendal and Hayton’s Butchers near Staveley.  

For lunch on the munch, grab a takeaway from The Apple Pie Café and Bakery, an eatery so popular it has grown exponentially since its humble 1975 origins. Lauded for its hearty breakfasts among the walking community, fuel up here before heading out into the Langdale fells.

Where to drink

After an exhilarating day on the fells you won’t be hard pressed to find a refreshing watering hole in Ambleside. Amblesideonline even provides a walking tour for visitors, beginning at The Lily on Lake Road, which regularly hosts music nights and serves up cask ales, wine and food. Next stop, Temperence Inn across the road – perfect for catching that all important sporting event. Take a left to find the Royal Oak for 17th century charm and a selection of local ales.  

Further stop-offs on this walking tour of pubs and bars include: the White Lion Hotel which offers a discount for CAMRA members; The Queen’s Hotel in Market Place serving up a range of ales; the Ambleside Tavern provides live music on Saturdays while the Unicorn Inn is a small and cosy pub ‘with a folk and country flavour’.  


Finish off, according to the guide, at the Golden Rule, a ‘traditional and unchanging pub’ where the landlords have remained in place since 1981…perfect for those who crave an old fashioned pint without the distraction of background music.  

Where to walk

From Chesters By The River head to Elterwater for a relaxed and easy walk.  

Loughrigg Fell, on the cusp of Ambleside, is an easy climb and offers spectacular views of the surrounding fells. Follow Loughrigg Terrace along to Rydal Cave (watch out for tumbling stones!) and back along Under Loughrigg Road.  

The Langdale Loop is popular amongst mountain bikers for its length and technical challenge, taking in scenic meadows, woodland and quarry vistas before following a riverside path from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge. 

Where to take your family

Stock Ghyll Force is a perennial family favourite with a railed viewpoint at hand to allow younger children to enjoy the magnificence of this 70 foot waterfall at a safe distance.  

Take the ferry from Waterhead to Lake District National Park Visitor Centre Brockhole. With so much on offer in its 30 acres why not hire a bike and explore the gardens, take part in the tree top trek or test your skills at the laser clay shooting and archery on offer?  

Hayes Garden World is the perfect spot to keep the young ones entertained whatever the weather. From tropical fish to tropical trees, there is plenty to see for all the family, and even a Kids Club providing members with activity sheets and competitions. 

Where to shop

First stop, Gaynor Sports on Market Cross. In a town peppered with outdoor clothing, mountain wear and footwear shops (yes – Blacks, Rohan, Field and Trek et al are all a piton’s placement apart here too) Gaynor’s is an absolute must. Be sure to start on the top floor in order to purchase the correct footwear to navigate the many steps linking the multiple floors packed full of all your favourite walking, climbing, fell running and camping labels! I’m getting hypoxic with excitement just at the thought of an afternoon’s browsing!  

Take a peek around health food shop Granny Smiths for your daily dose of feel-good, while Silvermoon jewellers is full of twinkling treasures to catch your eye.  

A trip to the Rock Shop is a must for fans of fossils, gemstones, jewellery and everything holistic, and what six-year-old would not want to arm themselves with a torch and don an explorer’s hat to get up close and personal with dinosaurs in an exciting treasure hunt?