About Ambleside

Ambleside is a small town but has a good range of shops for food supplies and outdoor kit. The centre has a great variety of cafés, restaurants and takeaways as well as pubs and a cinema.

Just next to the town, Rothay Park offers a large expanse of grass for sports and dog walks and a separate area with an adventure play park for young children. Ambleside also has a tennis court, crazy golf course and a climbing wall.

Ambleside is one of the few places were traditional Cumbrian sports are held in the summer. Also in the summer there is an annual rush-bearing procession and service, and at the end of November a lantern procession which culminates in the lighting of the Christmas lights.

Food Shops in Ambleside

Town centre

There are many independent food shops and takeaways in Ambleside - Spar, Co-op and Tesco also have small stores. The nearest large supermarket is Booths in Windermere.

Lake District Walks

Fell walking

There are walks starting from the cottage to suit all levels of fitness and conditions. The Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the most ambitious, but Wansfell and the Loughrigg circuit are very good and less strenuous.

Bridge House Ambleside

Places to visit

The 17th-century Bridge House, the Roman fort at Waterhead and the Armitt Museum are all within walking distance of Holly Howe. Further afield, Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Brantwood on the shore of Coniston Water and Blackwell the Arts and Crafts house offer good options for indoor days. For a full list of National Trust properties including Hill Top the home of Beatrix Potter, visit the website: National Trust places to visit

Ferry Lake District

Lakes and Rivers

The head of Windermere lake can be reached in 10 – 15 minutes from the Cottage. There are ferries that run in the summer. The Stockghyll Force can be reached in 10 minutes from the back gate. The Rothay and Brathay also offer pretty riverside walks.