Ambleside’s location, surrounded by so much natural beauty and history, means visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to sightseeing and leisure activities.
Here is just a small selection of the area’s most popular attractions.
1. Stock Ghyll Force
Located at just a short walk from the town’s centre, there is a safe viewpoint from where you can admire this spectacular 70 foot waterfall. In spring, the area around the waterfall is particularly attractive, when an abundance of daffodils come into bloom. The waterfall also has an important history; previously there were 12 watermills which relied on the power of Stock Ghyll and other local becks. Framing the waterfall is the 17th Century Bridge House, one of the most photographed sights in the Lake District and now a National Trust shop and information centre.
2. Fell Walking
Ambleside is the starting point for many of the Lake District’s finest walks; indeed, you can step out of any of the Ambleside hotels and your walk has begun! Some of the most popular include Loughrigg – a fell which offers fabulous views and scenery for walkers of any ability – and the walk to Grasmere, via pretty Rydal Water. If you’re up for something more challenging, the Fairfield ranges and Red Screes reward hardy walkers with magnificent panoramic views of the area.
3. Waterhead
Waterhead is located a mile south of Ambleside’s town centre and is a pretty harbour setting near Borrans Park and home to numerous swans, ducks and geese. There are daily sailings throughout the year between Ambleside and Bowness – which is located about halfway down the 12-mile long Lake Windermere – and Lakeside, at the far end, which is the starting point for the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway.
You can also hire rowing boats here. It takes just 15 minutes to walk from Ambleside to Waterhead. During high season, you can travel to the pier in style as there are regular horse-drawn carriages which transport passengers to and from Waterhead, departing from outside the White Lion pub.
4. Grasmere and Dove Cottage
The pretty village of Grasmere is located just 4 miles from Ambleside and is the location of William Wordsworth’s first home, Dove Cottage, which is one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions. The village itself is a very pleasant place to walk around, with lots of old and interesting buildings, all set alongside the babbling River Rothay, with lots of little cafes and craft shops. Dove Cottage was the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808 and it was where he wrote most of his most loved poetry.
5. Rydal Mount and Gardens
Rydal Mount is another historic home of the late poet and author, William Wordsworth. The Wordsworth Family moved into Rydal Mount in 1813 and lived there for 46 years until the death of Mary Wordsworth in 1859. The adjoining gardens house a wide variety of rare trees, shrubs and flowers and offers the visitor wonderful views towards both Lake Windermere and Rydal Water.
Further information on all of these attractions can be found at the Tourist Information or you can pick up leaflets from most hotels in Ambleside.
If you’ve decided to visit Ambleside, Compare the best deals on Ambleside Hotels