Holiday rentals in Ambleside

The quintessential Lake District town, Ambleside sits in prime position near the northeastern tip of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, surrounded by the incredible mountain scenery of the Lake District National Park. First-timers often orient themselves in Ambleside to get a sense of the region’s charms and heritage before exploring its wilder realms. Bustling streets are lined with cute tearooms and ice-cream parlours, gift shops, real ale pubs, the occasional Thai or curry restaurant, and dozens of outdoors stores stocking all the gear required for tackling the mighty fells. The tiny 17th-century Bridge House, on a bridge crossing Stock Ghyll beck that flows through the town and once powered its industrial mills, is one of Ambleside’s most photographed scenes.

Lake District weather is variable in that it sometimes rains lightly, sometimes heavily, and often horizontally. It’s one of the rainiest regions in the United Kingdom (there’s a reason for all those lakes after all) yet spellbindingly sunny days can materialise at any time. June to September can be positively balmy. Wild swimming in inky lakes and turquoise river pools becomes irresistible, and many cultural events take place. But even August can be cold and drizzly for days on end. As a famous honeypot, Ambleside heaves with holidaymakers in high summer, so plump for May or September if possible. Even the frozen depths of winter have a special beauty, when frosty walks end delightfully with fireside pints in cosy pubs, and you can nest at night in your Ambleside cottage.

Loughrigg Tarn walk

A short but scenic hike leads up from the town to a round, mirror-like pool tucked into the flanks of Loughrigg Fell. After admiring views of the Langdale Pikes from the smooth bridleway path circling the tarn, hikers can continue up the modest peak, then forge on to Rydal Water and Grasmere. Alternatively, head south down to the village of Skelwith Bridge for a cool drink and a look at Skelwith Force waterfall, before a 10-minute bus ride back to Ambleside.

Armitt Collection

Ambleside has art galleries aplenty, from the naff and commercial to this excellent venue, also a museum and library. Dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Lake District, it features Beatrix Potter first editions and her botanical watercolours, plus work by artist Kurt Schwitters. There’s information too about the Ambleside Roman Fort, built during Hadrian’s reign in the 2nd century, whose stone ruins can be visited for free just outside the town.

Ambleside Climbing Wall

On rainy days, hit this indoor rock climbing wall for taster sessions, private lessons, bouldering, or unsupervised climbing on a towering 10-metre-high wall, depending on your level of skill.