Five reasons to head for...
Head in all directions from this perfectly positioned town to experience the finest Lakeland walks.
Classic Lakes base Ambleside
For its great location
1 Centrally located in the Lakes and easily reached via great road links, Ambleside is a superb point from which to access the whole National Park. Follow the A591 north, right through the heart of the mountains towards Keswick, or head west deeper into the mountains to Langdale... Whichever route you choose, there’s a new part of the Lake District to discover. Wansfell Pike and Loughrigg Fell sandwich the Cumbrian town at the head of Windermere Lake, giving you lots to explore in the surrounding area as well.
To see the Cathedral
2 If you wind up in Little Langdale you’ll want to visit Cathedral Cave (above right). With a lofty 40ft-high main chamber these disused, inter-linked quarries were previously the site of a green slate mine. There are smaller chambers to (carefully!) explore as well as tunnels, one of which is over 400ft long... so pack a torch too.
To stay at the foot of a mountain
3 If you’re in need of a place to stay the New and
Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotels are situated on the doorstep of the Langdale Pikes, just a short drive or bus ride away from Ambleside. Offering fantastic views and a prime location to set off from in the morning or to stop off at the end of the day - whether you plan to explore the Pikes or you’re walking the Cumbria Way.
For the activities
4 As well as all the fantastic places to explore in the Lake District, there are loads of activities on offer around Ambleside, both on land and on the water. Check out Adventure21 which does activities all over the Lakes to experience pursuits ranging from canoeing to gorge-scrambling and canyoning. The centre’s highly-rated activity team will ensure you have a great time no matter which activity you choose.
To enjoy the town!
5 Ambleside is also home to many of its own sites of interest, notably the Ambleside Roman Fort and the National Trust’s Bridge House. There’s a climbing wall in the town too, meaning you don’t even have to leave the ‘city limits’ to practice your scrambling kicks! With plenty of great cafés and restaurants to suit all wallets and dietary requirements, you won’t be short on refuelling options either.