Lake District village: Ambleside Tourist Information

Commanding a spectacular position at the head of Lake Windermere is Ambleside, along with it’s lakeshore offshoot, Waterhead. Only about 6 miles from Windermere Village it is backed on three sides by high fells. The number of outdoor clothing shops enhances the town’s reputation for attracting visitors. All the hiker, fell walker or climber could possibly need by way of protective clothing, camping gear, maps and even shorts if the opportunity arises! Walks in Ambleside

Ambleside is also the home of the Mountain Rescue Service, all volunteers who are willing to go out in all conditions if a walker is in trouble. Which is all the more reason to take great care and make the correct preparations when venturing up onto the fells.

The popularity of the Lake District as a whole has greatly increased over the years.
More and more people want relaxation and fresh challenges, looking to the ‘Great Outdoors’ to find it.

Even during weekends in the winter months the little town of Ambleside bustles with the multi-colours of the weatherproof jackets of walkers encumbered with heavy rucksacks.

The ferry from Bowness on Windermere stops at Waterhead, bringing even more tourists to enjoy the many restaurants, coffee shops and quaint streets and lanes in which to meander around the town.

One such attraction is the Bridge House that dates from the sixteenth century, just two rooms connected by an outside staircase. It is owned by the National Trust, bought by public subscription in 1926 at a cost of £450.00, and used as an information centre during the summer.

Stock Ghyll flows beneath the unusual bridge and once provided the power for several mills, one of which can be seen from a cobbled lane just opposite.

High-class hotels, luxury self catering complexes and bed and breakfast family homes offer excellent accommodation to suit all tastes.

There are the remains of Galava Roman Fort near the waters edge, on Borrans Field which is on the way to Coniston and Grasmere, and classed by English Heritage as an Ancient Monument.

The Armitt Ambleside Museum is a world famous heritage centre, featuring local history, Roman artefacts and other attractions worthy of a visit.

No wonder so many visitors make Ambleside their base for exploring the Lake District.