lakes self catering cottages

Lakes Self Catering Cottages: Visiting Ambleside

Ambleside is a truly beautiful and central picturesque Lakeland village, originating mainly as a busy Victorian holiday resort but steeped further back in history with evidence of pre-roman settlements.
At the head of Lake Windermere, Ambleside continues to welcome visitors back year after year. With plenty too see and do and village amenities all close to hand it’s the ideal central Lakeland base for walkers, climbers, runners, sightseers, sailors, mountain bikers, cyclists, photographers and fun seekers.

When in Ambleside make sure you visit.

The Windermere ferry terminus at Waterhead, catch a ferry down the lake or hire boats from here.
Bridge House, a tiny 17th century summer house built straddling Stockghyll stream.
Stockghyll Force, a spectacular 70ft waterfall which crashes down through Stock Park.
Galava Roman fort, where 500 roman soldiers once lived, the remains of which can be found near Borrans Park.
Rydal Park, for summer cricket, football or simply snoozing.
White Platt’s Playing Park for Crazy Golf, Tennis, Pitch ‘n’ Putt, Boules and Bowling.
River Walk along the Rothay River to Windermere Lake.
Go for a paddle in near by Rydal Water
Follow the Historical Town Tour and get lost in the alley ways.
Hire a bike from bikeTreks and expolre the bridalways.
Or try one of the many Hill and Fell walks starting in Ambleside from the classic Loughrigg Terrace to the mighty Fairfield Horseshoe.

Before setting out call into headtothehills Outdoor shop on Compston Road near St Marys Church for maps, guide books, waterproof jackets, rucksacks, walking boots and walking poles.

Eating Out in Ambleside
The food choice in Ambleside is superb there is something for everyone, from award winning restaurants to cosy cafes, from Gastro pub to fish and chips.

Ambleside Village Amenities.
There is most of what anyone would need in Ambleside: bakery, delicatessen, mini-market, craft shops, gift shops, galleries, banks, post office and tourist information office, hairdressers, beauty spa and plenty of Outdoor Clothing & Equipment Shops.

Historical Figures Associated with Ambleside
William Wordsworth, Hardwicke Rawnsley, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter.

Ambleside Diary Dates
July: First saturday Ambleside’s traditional Rushbearing Festival; 26-27th Windermere Air Show.
July: 31st Ambleside Sports
August: 24 th Grasmere Sports; Rushbearing Festival; Rydal Sheepbog Trails & Hounds; Lake District Summer Music Festival.
19th Hawkshead Agricultural Show;
2nd-10th Family Fun Festival at Bownes on Windermere;
29-31st Kendal Mintsfest Street Arts Festival;
September: 13th Great North Swim in Lake Windermere.

Around Ambleside

Hire boats and canoes from Low Wood Activity Centre, Waterhead or Windermere Canoe Kayak, Bowness.
Visit Grisdale Forest - an amazing place for families to downhill riders.
Troutbeck Swimming Pool and Gym only 10mins in the car.

Test your nerves drving over Wrynose Pass and Hard Knott Pass or the 'struggle' up Kirkstone Pass.

Famous Houses
Dove Cottage, Hill Top , Rydal Mount, Holker Hall, Muncaster Castle, Townend, Levens Hall... the list is endless.