The Definitive Guide - Amazing Ambleside

Ambleside, Cumbria (inc. Lake District), England North West

Recommendation added: 14/03/2006 19:30
By: Yerrell1 (YSUK rating +186)

Yerrell1 has been thanked 5 times for this contribution

"Ambleside is unique. You will never find another place like it. Relaxing, Beautiful and full of history, it truly is a facinating place to visit. Located in the heart of Cumbria, it is known by locals as "the jewel in lakeland's crown" but forget jewel, this is absolute diamond! With a victorian feel, Ambleside has something interesting to see with every blink, and I would love to tell you just what makes Ambleside so special in my definative guide.

Location/Distances/Travel

It takes us about 4-5 hours from Milton Keynes, but expect journey times of 6 hours from London, 2 hours from Manchester or just an hour from the Scottish Borders. Ambleside is located in the world famous lake district, Cumbria. There are plenty of rail and bus options to travel into Cumbria, but I would reccommend National Express, as they offer competative prices, and a direct stop in Ambleside.

A brief history:

Ambleside has become popular for 2 main reasons. The walking and also the history the town has to offer. Ambleside is associated with such names as Betrix Potter (see my "what to do" category below) Shakesphere and Mary Armitt. Many of the local people have decendants who have lived in ambleside for centuries, and take great pride in their village. Tourists are very much welcomed, and the town folk will do their best to offer you a plesent stay.

What To Do:

There is so much to see and do in Ambleside, you won't even have to travel outside of the area! I have below listed my favourite attractions, which I have personally visited, but I assure you, there is plenty more!

Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)
nr Sawrey, Ambleside
Tel: 01539 436269
A working farm once owned by Beatrix Potter and is the setting for her wonderful series of animal stories. Beatrix purchased this building with the money she made from her first book!

The Armitt,Rydal Rd
Ambleside
015394 31212
A new place showing the Mary Armitt Collection - a collection of books, manuscripts and water colours etc. There is also a section dedicated to the work of beatrix potter.

Loughrigg, Sergeant Man and Tarn Crag walk:
An amazing walking experience, that takes in all of Ambleside. Only for the very fit, its a 12 mile walk that seems like a hundred. Maps for this walk, and many other smaller walks are available from the local gift shops

Homes Of Football
Main Road- Ambleside
015394 34440
Are you a football lover? Then this place for you! A collection of artwork by famous photographer Stuart Clarke. Set on two stories, you will see some amazing pictures of the football world. Take home a piece of history with prices starting at £30 and going up to £5000.

For a whole host of other things to do, call/visit the Ambleside tourist board on 015394 32582. Its situated on the Market Place in Ambleside

Where To Stay

As Ambleside is such a popular tourist, expect to find a whole host of different accomodation to suit all tastes and budgets. If your looking for a youth hostel, the Ambleside YHA is one of the best in the country. Clean, modern and spacious, it is located on the Waterhead. A three star youth hostel, you might mistake for a hotel. Call 0870 770 5672 to book. the tourist information board can also help secure accomodation. Simply call them on 015394 32582, give them your requirements, and they will tell you what is available. You can of course just turn up, and there will always be a room somewhere. The tourist information will help you get last minute accomodation.

Where To Drink

Ambleside has some lovely pubs, which are full of character. The pub I visit the most is called the Britannia Inn. A relaxing and informal atmosphere awaits you, as does some fine ales and a huge selection of different drinks. Another pub to note is the Royal Oak Inn, situated on Church Street.

EATING OUT

There are loads of quality resturants in Ambleside, and it would be unfair to name the best. Ambleside offers a wide range of dining, which will suit all tastes, from seafood to fast food. There are also plenty of Cafes and most of the pubs offer the usual basket meals. Don't go looking for Mcdonalds though, none here! Sample the local tastes!

Ambleside really does have it all. There is plenty more to do than I, or anyone else could ever mention, and the only way you will ever discover it is by visiting"