Ambleside in the English Lake District

The Lake District of Northern England
Day Trips from Manchester in the Northwest of England

Aerial Photograph of Ambleside & Lake Windermere
courtesy of www.webbaviation.co.uk Copyright © 2005.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Ambleside lies at the north end of Lake Windermere in the valley of the River Rothay between Loghrigg Fell and Wansfell, and is a major centre for walking and climbing within the National Park, as witnessed by the large number of shops which cater for these activities.

Its most distinctive landmark is the 17th century Old Bridge House, a curious little building, now owned by the National Trust, which spans the stream known as Stock Beck.

Ambleside is an elegant town, strategically placed on the main Windermere-Keswick road. It has several large hotels, innumerable smaller guest houses offering Bed & Breakfast accommodation, as well as tea shops and restaurants. Walkers please note that most cafés prohibit the bringing of bulky rucksacks into the premises.

Busy town - parking out of town at Waterhead, about three-quarters of a mile from the town centre - horse-drawn bus into the town runs every half hour, (and return). In town parking at Paying Car Parks only.

Waterhead Boat Landing

The 17th Century Old Bridge House

The Old Water Mill

Ambleside town centre

Boats on Windermere

Book an Lake District Hotel or Guest House

SANKEY GLASS
Rydal Road, Ambleside. Tel: 015394 33039.
Traditional and contemporary glass using medieval methods. All glassware made in an open workshop and entirely hand finished. Viewing free to purchasers, otherwise a small charge. Open all year.

AMBLESIDE ROMAN FORT
Waterhead, Ambleside. The remains of the Roman Fort of Galava in the 1st century A.D, built to guard the road between Ravenglass and Brougham. Open virtually at any time within reason. Admission free.

HAYES GARDEN WORLD
Lake Road, Ambleside. Tel: 015394 33434.
Britain's "Garden Centre of the Year" 1992-93. Superb landscape gardens, ornamental trees, plants and shrubs. Coffee shop and extensive garden shop.

THE GIG HOUSE GALLERY
Elterwater, Ambleside. Tel: 015394 37278.
Exclusive quality original paintings by contemporary artists.

TOTAL ADVENTURE
5 Lake Road, Ambleside. Tel: 015394 47206.
Wide range of activities, including Abseiling, Archery, Canoeing, Caving, Fell Walking & Mountaineering, Orienteering, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Skiing, Snowboarding and Paragliding. Full instruction given. Half day to Weekend and full Week courses.

GRIZEDALE FOREST VISITOR CENTRE
Grizedale, Ambleside. Tel: 01229 860010.
This award winning Visitor Centre offers guidance and advice on making the most of your visit to the Grizedale Forest, with cycle routes, play areas, clearly marked walking trails, forest sculptures and a tea room. Open February to December. Admission free - charge for car parking.

Central Buildings, Market Cross, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9BS. Tel: 015394 32582.
Email: amblesidetic@southlakeland.gov.uk.
Local Website: www.amblesideonline.co.uk.