Ambleside Tourist Information
Ambleside lies at the northern end of Lake Windermere and has been a tourist attraction since the mid-1800's. Evidence can be seen of the various cultural influences over the centuries giving shape to the town's character. It has been home to Vikings, Romans, artists and writers. Much of the early development depended on a flourishing wool trade. The power of Stock Ghyll Force - a 60 feet waterfall in the town was used to drive the numerous water mills involved in the production process.
In 1650 it was granted a charter allowing a mid week market. The market cross erected a year later is said to mark the award of the charter. The wool trade went into decline and for a while the town was in the doldrums. However in the mid 1800's tourism increased. Plans for a rail link from Windermere were abandoned as too expensive and so visitors used the now regular lake steamer service from Bowness/ Windermere to Waterhead. It is quite a walk from Waterhead Pier to the town centre but there is a regular bus service, and for those wishing a rather more sedate entry to the town, a horse-drawn carriage operates in the summer months.
Close to Waterhead at Borrans Park are the traces of the Roman fort, Galava. Some of the stone used in the towns oldest building - Howe Head, came from this fort.
Ambleside has a broad miscellany of shops, cafes, guest houses, hotels; all well able to meet tourist demands.
Among the many attractions is the Armitt Museum displaying a large range of items and includes an area dedicated to Beatrix Potter.
The Church of St. Mary the Virgin has a chapel pledged to William Wordsworth. Additionally the church hosts the annual "Rush Bearing Ceremony". Rush Bearing emerged at a time when dwellings including the church's placed rush's on the earth or stone slab floors for extra warmth. The ritual of carrying rush to the church developed in to a religious ceremony and St. Mary's is one of the few places in the country where it still occurs. It is said that Wordsworth regularly attended.
Bridge House, featured often on postcards, is a tiny building spanning the Stock Beck. Originally used as an apple store, folklore has it that it was erected by the owner as a method of Land Tax avoidance. An explanation by no means proved!
Many famous figures have visited this friendly resort and it's surrounds including President Woodrow Wilson. It is a superb centre for walkers and climbers with a countless number of attractions to be sampled. For example, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is but a short boat ride from Waterhead to Lakeside. Combine this trip with a look around the Lakeside Aquarium.
Ambleside's parking regulations include a Permit Holders Only street parking. Permits are free of charge, and may be obtained at shops, restaurants, pubs, Tourist Information Centre and other places.
Visitors from Windermere and Bowness may also consider taking the lake steamer or the open - topped double decker bus from Windermere train station or Bowness Bay. Both afford wonderful lake views and provide a time to relax before tasting what Ambleside has in store.
How to get there:
By rail: From the London to Scotland West Coast Main Line, change at Oxenholme for Windermere.
From Windermere, take one of the many buses or taxis. The journey is four miles.
By road: Situated on the A591, Ambleside is easily accessible from the M6 motorway, exiting at J36.
| Ambleside Accommodation | Ambleside Attractions |
| Ambleside Food and Drink | Ambleside Transportation |
Attractions in Ambleside |
Armitt Museum & Library Centre
See over 2000 years of local Lake District history at Ambleside’s Armitt Museum and Library. From the Romans to Beatrix Potter along with Ruskin, Wordsworth and Kurt Schwitters.
Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9BL
Phone: 015394 31212
Fax: 015394 31313
Bridge House
Featured often on postcards, is a tiny building spanning the Stock Beck. Originally used as an apple store, folklore has it that it was erected by the owner as a method of Land Tax avoidance. An explanation by no means proved!
Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria.
High Sweden Bridge
Located just a short walk from Ambleside, this typically Cumbrian packhorse bridge is a beautiful spot to simply hang out on a warm, summer’s afternoon. The river that flows beneath the bridge, Scandale Beck, tumbles down the valley in a succession of pools and waterfalls and if you fancy a longer walk, follow the track beside the stream to the head of the valley from where you can swing left onto Low Pike, before looping back down to Ambleside via Low Sweden Bridge.
Stagshaw Garden
This woodland garden was created by the late Cubby Acland, a regional agent for the National Trust until 1973. It covers approximately 8 acres and offers a fine collection of shrubs, including many notable azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons. Adjacent to the garden are Skelghyll Woods, which offer delightful walks and access to the fells beyond, as well as superb views over Windermere. Vehicular access to the gardens is a little difficult so park at Waterhead and walk to Stagshaw from there.
Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0HE
Phone: 015394 46027
Fax: 015394 46027
Hill Top
Located in England 's historic Lake District , this working farm owned by Beatrix Potter was the setting for her delightful and popular series of animal tales.
Nr Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF
Phone: 01539 436269
E-mail: rpmht@smtp.ntrust.org.uk
Life's a Struggle if you can't juggle!
Ambleside Community Jugglers invite you to join them.
No previous experience necessary:
Juggling, Poi, Diabolo, Unicycling, Object Manipulation, Devilstick Staff & More!
Every Tuesday (6.30-8.30pm) at the University of Cumbria Sports Centre at Nook Lane (off Rydal rd,)
£2 per session (+ refreshment)
Children Under 12 Yrs MUST be accompanied by paying adult
Phone Andy Jester on: +44 (0)15394 33982 or
Email: andy@ukjuggling.com
Low Wood Watersports Centre
Windermere, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 34004
Ambleside Horticultural & Craft Society
The Society runs a yearly programme of entertaining and instructive events
www.ambleside-show.org.uk
Ambleside Sports
A traditional Lakeland event, now in it’s 3rd century.
Always held on the Thursday prior to the first Monday in August, this event includes:
Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling
Guides Races & the Rydal Round Fell Race
Hound Trails
Foot & Cycle Races
www.amblesideonline.co.uk/clubs/sports/main.html
Windermere & Ambleside Angling Association
Phone: 015394 33203
Rydal Sheepdog Trials
Phone: 015394 45069
Zeffirellis Cinema
Zeffirellis is a lively and stylish Wholefood Pizzeria with Two Cinemas,
Shopping gallery and garden Room Café,
situated in the heart of the English Lake District
www.zeffirellis.com/zefs/
Windermere Lake Cruises
www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Food and Drink in Ambleside |
Apple Pie Eating House - Rydal Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 33679
Bertrams - Market Place, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 32119
The Café - Bridge Street, Ambleside
Chester 's Coffee Shop & Restaurant - Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 32553
China Cottage - 7 Lake Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 31388
Garden Room Café - Compston Road, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 31612
The Glass House Café - Rydal Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 32137
Golden Rule Hotel - Smithy Brow, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 32257
The Jade Garden - Compston Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 31888
Log House Restaurant & Wine Bar - Lake Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 31077
Luigi's - Osbourne Villa, Kelsick Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 33676
Novella Pizzaria - Compston Road , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 32430
Peggy's Bakery - Compston Road , Ambleside
Scotts Café - Waterhead, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 34853
Sheila's Cottage Country - The Slack, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 33079
Wainwrights Inn - Great Langdale, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 38092
Walnut Fish Bar - Old Post Office Buildings , Millans Park , Ambleside
Phone: 015394 32521
The Britannia Inn - Elterwater, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 37210
Fax: 015394 37311
Drunken Duck Inn - Barngates, Ambleside
Phone: 015394 36347
Fax: 015394 36781
Maple Tree Corner Grocery – Elterwater,
Phone: 015394 37221
Stampers Restaurant - Church Street
A cellar restaurant serving locally farmed, grown and produced food. Extensive wine list.
Transportation in Ambleside |
Lakeland Safaris
Phone: 0 15394 33904
web.ukonline.co.uk/lakesafari/
Ambleside Taxis
Phone: 015394 33842
Billy’s Taxis
Phone: 015394 31287
Brown’s Private Hire
Phone: 015394 33263
John’s Taxibus
Phone: 015394 32857
Kevin’s Taxis
Phone: 015394 32371
Mike's Car Service
Phone: 015394 33687
Steve’s Taxis
Phone: 015394 33544