Lake District attractions - Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse

If you want to enjoy a well organised family day out in the Lake District, why not choose the Cross Lakes Experience. You buy one ticket and you can travel by bus, boat or boots.
A popular route is getting the foot passenger boat from Bowness (pier 3), cross the lake and get off at the Ferry Landing, then get the minibus to Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's farmhouse. You can walk downhill back to the boat and enjoy the magnificent Lake District scenery. More details about the Cross Lakes Experience including timetables can be found here. Another attraction which has been recently included in the Cross Lakes Experience route is the gorgeous Wray Castle.

Places to visit near Ambleside - Ullswater Lake

Ullswater is a narrow 'ribbon lake' formed after the last ice age. It is fed by mountain streams and drained by the river Eamont, the waters link with the Irish Sea and are an important gateway for breeding salmon. Surrounded by Helvellyn (950m) and Catstycam at the south-western end of the valley, Ullswater lake is 12 km long and 0.8 km wide and it's dark still waters have a maximum depth of 62 m. You can drive from Ambleside to Glenridding and take a cruise on the lake with Ullswater Steamers. You can either enjoy the lake from the boat or get off at one of the piers and walk back. There are several popular walks around the lake,  the 9 km Pooley Bridge walk, the 5 km Hallin Fell Circular walk, the 11 km Howtown - Glenridding walk or the 3 km Lanty's tarn Circular walk. Glenridding was once the most important mining village in Britain with exceptionally high silver content - around 15-30 ounces per tone of ore. At the other end of the lake is the beautiful village Pooley Bridge. Built around the 16th century, the village is buzzing tourist destination with stunning views over the lake. Ullswater lake is linked to the Arthurian legend and often referred as "The Dark Lake" The ancient woodlands around are habitat of some of England's rarest birds and mammals: red breasted merganser, nuthatch, peregrine falcon, red squirrel and otter.

Places to visit near Ambleside - Lakes Aquarium

Booking a nice family accommodation in Ambleside is easy, there are plenty of guest houses, hotels and B&Bs. Walking is undoubtedly one of the best things you can enjoy in the Lake District. However, when the weather is not that good, organising family activities is not so easy anymore. However nice your accommodation is, children need entertainment. Here is one of our suggestions for a perfectly entertaining family day out near Ambleside - Lakes Aquarium.

 

The aquarium is open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm (last admission at 5pm) and if you buy your tickets on line you save 30%. You can also make the trip an adventure booking a combined ticket for the Lakes Aquarium and a cruise on lake Windermere (the yellow cruise). Once at Lakeside, you can enjoy a wide diversity of species, there are regular talks, interactive activities, kids corner, a gift shop and a really nice cafe. Further details are available from Lakes Aquarium website or the brochures in Ambleside Central.

Ambleside - the heart of Lake District

Ambleside is a charming little town in the heart of Lake District with predominantly Victorian architecture and very friendly people. Accommodation in Ambleside is plenty and varied. You can choose a room in a guest house or bed and breakfast, we have two hostels, caravan parks, camping sites and loads of hotels. A perfect base for walkers and cyclists, Ambleside is also a great destination for family holidays or romantic getaways. If you like to party, don't hesitate and book your room...There is always loads going on here - traditional bars with life music, quizzes and the biggest selection of local ales. Ambleside is a paradise for outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment with great bargains all year round. Ambleside is also famous for it's passion for food. Ambleside restaurants offer divine selection of meals for every taste. There are many historical buildings and places to see in and around Ambleside and of course, the most important of all - the magnificent Lake District scenery...

Rydal Water walk from Ambleside

Rydal Water is a beautiful lake near Ambleside. You can reach it walking directly on the road to
Grasmere. This is the quickest way but there is a much nicer route. After passing the stone bridge above Rothay river (Ambleside Rothay park), instead of going up to Loughrigg Fell, turn right and follow the road Under Loughrigg. You will walk on an asphalt alley by the river, passing traditional slate cottages surrounded by beautiful woods and pastures. After approximately 30 min you will see the main road towards Grasmere, but just before the bridge, turn left and go by the car park and up the hill.  After a few picturesque cottages and gorgeous Lakes scenery you will see the breathtaking Rydal Water in front of you. This is a popular route for mountain biking and if you are on your bike, you would probably like going around the lake and continue to Grasmere lake.

Climbing near Ambleside - Langdale Valley

Ambleside is a great base for many outdoor activities. There are many walks with different length and difficulty, interesting caves to be explored, the biggest lake in England, Windermere, can offer variety of water sports, and of course, if you are a fan of climbing and abseiling, we can definitely offer some good challenges here.Finding accommodation in Ambleside is very easy as well.

One of the most popular crags for beginners is Lower Scout crag situated in the picturesque Langdale Valley (15 minutes by car from Ambleside). Lower Scout crag is easily accessible and has relatively modest grades of route. If you are a professional climber, you can find tougher routes on much higher rocks near Great Langdale. The best way to end your climbing adventure is by visiting one of the many nearby pubs and enjoy some local food and ale whilst admiring the wonderful views of the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Great Places to Visit around Ambleside

Rydal Hall, Ambleside
Ambleside has many historical buildings with distinctive charm and character. It is really interesting to walk around the town itself and find those old gorgeous houses, every stone here has a history...

Just a few miles away from Ambleside, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, you can find the magnificent Rydal Hall. It was build in the 16th century and altered and renovated a few times after that.

Rydal Hall is situated opposite Rydal Mount (home of William Wordsworth) and near beautiful lake Rydal Water. It was the home of the baronets from Le Fleming family who later sold it to the present owner - the Diocese of Carlisle.