Ambleside can be found at the northern end of Lake Windermere, close to Waterhead, between Wansfell and Loughrigg Fell. Ambleside is also a convenient base for touring the central areas of the Lake District, Grasmere and the Langdale valleys being a short journey by car or bus. With Ambleside being a popular tourist centre for all types of outdoor activities, you will find a variety of shops which sell outdoor clothing, walking boots etc. You will also find excellent craft and gift shops.
Ambleside began to prosper during the reign of Queen Victoria with the growth of tourism.
Being a market town, Ambleside received its first market charter in 1650 with the centre of the town now being designated a conservation area. The Watermill and a few other buildings have survived from this time. One of the most popular buildings from this time and photographed is the Bridge House which spans the beck of Stock Ghyll, and was originally built as a summer house by the owners of the Ambleside Hall. It is now a National Trust Centre.
The Romans once had a fort here called the Galava, close to the River Brathay and the River Rothay, which flows into Lake Windermere.
Ambleside is also known for its associations with a number of famous literary people with William Wordsworth being the most famous. William Wordsworth had his office here when he was the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. At St. Mary's Church there is Wordsworth chapel. Close to Ambleside on the road to Grasmere is Rydal Mount, once the home of William and his family.
At St. Mary's Church on the first Saturday in July is a rush-bearing ceremony, which originates from medieval times. This is when the children walk through the town carrying rushes which are then laid in the church. Also on view is a mural which depicts the ceremony.
From the centre of Ambleside there is a short walk which will take you through woodland to the Stock Ghyll Waterfalls. Another short walk from Ambleside to Waterhead is where you can connect onto Lake Windermere Steamers for a Lake Cruise, hire dinghies and feed the ducks and swans.
Not far away on the road to Coniston, at Skelwith Bridge is Skelwith Force. This is where the River Brathay can look very impressive after heavy rain. Good views of Ambleside and its surrounding areas can be seen from Wansfell and Loughrigg fells on clear days.
Clicking on the various Level Maps below will show different map views of Ambleside and District. Maps Courtesy of Multi Map.
County Level Map
Town Level Map
Street Level Map
