Ambleside

Ambleside: history & character

Ambleside, a handsome stone town at the head of Lake Windermere, grew up around its market, the watermills on Stock Ghyll and, from the 19th century, the Romantic tourism drawn by the fells and lakes. Nearby Rydal Mount was the home of the poet William Wordsworth, and the area is steeped in Lake Poets culture. Today Ambleside is one of the great walking bases of the UNESCO-listed Lake District, with a deep British dog-walking culture on top: dogs are welcome on nearly every fell and footpath, travel free on the Windermere Lake Cruises from Waterhead, and are welcomed in most of the pubs. Walking is the reason to come, from the Stock Ghyll Force waterfall a few minutes from the centre to the rambling Loughrigg Fell. The tiny Bridge House, perched on an arch over the beck, is the town's emblem. One practical note: since Brexit, a GB Animal Health Certificate is required for dogs arriving from the EU.