Nestled at the Northern end of the great Lake Windermere, Ambleside is one of the most famous Cumbrian towns. It offers a great variety of things to do that are suitable for couples, groups of friends and families. This gorgeous place is a gateway to all that the Lake District has to offer. So here is a short guide to what you can do in and around Ambleside!
First things first – where can you stay? There are a range of places on offer for all budgets. Hotels, cottages and B&Bs are all available to cater for a wide variety of visitors. Being the more budget conscious Lakeland visitor, I opt for the YHA Ambleside. Clean, friendly and comfortable, it provides all you need for your stay. You can even get a pretty tasty breakfast thrown in for a small price!
Next comes the good bit. What is there to do? Being well situated between the Central, Eastern and Far Eastern fells there is easy access to fantastic hiking. Lake Windermere to the South provides the opportunity to try some incredible water sports. Not to mention some of the other nearby attractions including the Bridge House and the World of Beatrix Potter.
Hiking
So the nearest fells are as follows:
- Loughrigg Fell (Central Fells)
- Nab Scar (Eastern Fells – part of the Fairfield Horseshoe)
- Low Pike (Eastern Fells – part of the Fairfield Horseshoe)
- Wansfell (Far Eastern Fells)
All of them offer spectacular views across Lake Windermere on a clear day. Loughrigg is an especially good hike for beginner hikers or families with younger children. The climb is fairly easy but provides a decent enough reward when you reach the summit.
The Bridge House
The town itself is absolutely adorable. Quaint little streets with streams running through give it a certain charm. The Bridge House is one of the most famous locations in the cute place. Sitting over Stock Beck this 17th century relic is pretty iconic as a symbol for the Lake District. People flock to see it in their thousands and you can see why. It’s more than worth paying a visit to.
Waterhead
Waterhead provides access to Lake Windermere from the town of Ambleside. From here you can get an ice cream and sit on the piers, enjoy a pint or a meal in one of the local pubs or even rent a paddle-board or kayak from behind the youth hostel to do some watersports!
You can also hop aboard Windermere Lake Cruises which will take you down to Bowness-on-Windermere and back. You’ll get great views across the lake and will be able to experience all that Bowness has to offer too!
Ambleside Roman Fort
Ambleside Roman Fort covers a three acre patch of land at the Northern end of Lake Windermere. It is easily accessible on foot from either the main town or Waterhead. Multiple informational signs are scattered around the remains of the fort, giving insight into how the fort would have functioned and operated.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A little further down Lake Windermere is the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, which is where you can find the World of Beatrix Potter. As a kid I adored reading about the adventures of Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggywinkle and all their other friends. Reliving my childhood at this heart warming attraction was incredible. Yes I may be incredibly childish but I’m sure the rest of you will enjoy the nostalgia just as much as I did!
Also in Bowness-on-Windermere is my recommended water sports company! Hidden away is Windermere Canoe and Kayak. You can take to the water for as long as you’d like and in whichever vessel you’d like. I went with my other half and ended up in a two-person kayak. This was possibly the most terrifying experience of my life. If you’re going into a two-person kayak you need to make sure the other person isn’t terribly mean. My companion tried to scare me by rocking the kayak! He succeeded! Rocking aside, the experience was incredible. The views from the centre of Lake Windermere are absolutely amazing. We paddled our way around the islands and admired the shoreline in every direction. Brilliant!
There is such a large variety of things to do in and around Ambleside, but I’m sure you will agree that this charming little town is the perfect location for all of the best activities in the Lakes. I for one will be delighted to keep returning here for the rest of my life!
If you’ve visited Ambleside then I would love to know! Comment below and let me know what you thought of it!
