Location: Ambleside
Top Things to do in Ambleside
The 5 Best Historic Sites in Ambleside, England
Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, in North West England. Historically within the county of Westmorland, it is situated at the head of Windermere, England's largest water. The town is within the Lake District National Park.
Restaurants in Ambleside
1. Rydal Mount & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Rydal Mount, the last family home of William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850, now belongs to the direct descendants of the Poet and remains a lived-in family home. The dining room, part of the old Tudor cottage, with its original flagged floor and oak beams, contrasts pleasingly with the larger proportions of the drawing room and library, added in 1750. The house contains works of art, furniture, manuscripts and many of the Poet's books and personal possessions, reflecting his life here. Wordsworth was a keen landscape gardener and the four acre garden remains very much as he designed it, consisting of fell-side terraces, lawns, rock pools and a 9th century Norse mound. There are rare shrubs and, in season, the daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons produce a spectacular display.
Reviewed By 752soniah
Lovely visit; the tour guides are very friendly and the house itself has lots of information as you walk though it. The gardens are beautiful, so many little nooks and crannies to find and beautifully laid out. Would definitely recommend.
2. Brantwood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By astridc00per - Kettering, United Kingdom
Do visit Brantwood - at any time of the year! It was too wet to visit the gardens but we had a leisurely visit of the house which held loads of interesting artefacts and information of historical interest, particularly as we had visited Blackwell earlier in the day and were able to make links between people, places and the ideology of the time. Set in an amazing location, which we didn't see the best of due to the poor weather, but would visit again to enjoy the gardens and the views across Coniston water.
3. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's most beloved place, packed full of her favourite things and left just as she wanted it for visitors to enjoy. You will see why she loved it so much and used it and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children's tales. Your visit helps the National Trust continue her work to look after the Lake District.
Reviewed By josT2776NL - Belfast, United Kingdom
Fantastic loved it if you love Beatrix potter you will find it amazing seeing i she just to live all her own furniture and you can go up the stairs to her bedroom plenty of helpful staff for questions and fantastic gardens a gift shop there also
4. St Michael and All Angels Church, Hawkshead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
5. Bridge House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 382 reviews
Bridge House stands over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside as a quirky reminder of Ambleside’s past; it is a 17th-century survivor. Thousands of visitors come every year to see it and have their picture taken but few actually know much of its varied past. So if you’re in Ambleside, why not wander down to Stock Beck and have a look at Ambleside’s most curious relic? The closest parking is at Rydal Road car park (not NT, charges apply). Use LA22 9AY for Satnav. On foot, turn right out of the car park, Bridge House is situated on the right, just a very short walk along the pavement.
Reviewed By kimlovesjaws - Essex, United Kingdom
One of our first places to visit. We were fortunate to time it so we could go inside. The friendly lady volunteer of the National Trust chatted to us explaining some of the buildings history. Hard to imagine a family lived in such a small area. Unique and so nice to be able to enter and absorb the history.
