Cottages in Ambleside

This pretty market town in Cumbria is close to the most beautiful lakes, waterfalls and nature landscapes in the Lake District. The wide array of cottages in Ambleside are the perfect base for those explorers eager to discover all the beauty of this natural gem. Find your cottage in the centre of town or in the outskirts if you prefer a bit more privacy. Enjoy the atmosphere of a bustling town surrounded by the valleys and mountains of the Lake District, a true paradise and a great spot to collect new memories. Come and create yours!

Find fabulous self-catering holiday cottages within the selection Holidu has made for you. Traditional or modern cottages with stone facades and wood interiors or contemporary decoration and modern facilities. There is something for every type of traveller. Have a superb weekend, a great family break, a romantic getaway or a cosy retreat. Enjoy the views of a lake or the stunning green scenery every morning from your window. Nothing better than having your dinner and chill by the fireplace as the sun sets down on the horizon. Have a barbecue in the garden or the patio and enjoy the morning breeze as your step out the door. Some cottages allow pets so they are welcome to stay and enjoy the break too!

Ambleside is the perfect base for hikers. Nestled at the north end of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is the ideal gateway to the Langdale and Conistone Fells. Its short distance from Rydal Water and Grasmere allows you to choose several routes around the area therefore making it ideal for walkers and outdoor lovers. Furthermore, not far from Ambleside you can enjoy easy and family-friendly walks including Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Water, Loughrigg Tarn, Tarn Hows or Blelham Tarn, Windermere and Wray Castle. The Routes over 5 miles, such as Crinkle Crags, Cold Pike or Cathedral Cave require more fitness level but you will enjoy passing along fells, quarries, a cave and stone bridges. Hikers looking for a challenge will get mesmerising views from the high ridges of Fairfield, Great Rigg and Heron Pike. The longest route is 14 miles long and it is a real challenge that starts in Langdale ending in the highest mountains in England crossing Bowfell, Esk Pike, Scafell and Scafell Pike. Got your boots ready?

Everybody who is familiar with Beatrix Potter’s stories recognise the Lake District as it was the inspiration for many of her books and the distinctive characters of the illustrations. Who does not remember Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddleduck or Peter Rabbit? She used to spend her holidays here and later on, with the money from her popular children’s books she bought farms in the Lake District. In Ambleside, visit the Armitt Museum and the magnificent Wray Castle with the Beatrix Potter attraction in it. You can continue to The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, the author’s Hill Top house and finally, the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. Let your children discover the magic of her world and let your inner child go back in time and enjoy some of the most endearing characters and stories from your childhood.

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off boat trip or a cruise around the Lake District. These services allow furry little companions on board as well, sometimes with a small fee. The main passenger terminals are located in Bowness-on-Windermere to tour around Windermere Lake. For Derwentwater the boats depart from Keswick. In Coniston Village you can hop on the Coniston Launch for Coniston Water and from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, Ullswater Steamers take you on a ride in one of the most beautiful lakes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District National Park.

This tiny building sitting above Stock Beck is one of the most iconic landmarks and the background of thousands of tourist’s photographs. A distinctive narrow dwelling erected with local slate. Go inside and check the simplicity of its interior of what initially was an apple store and a family home later on as well as a cobbler’s shop, a tearoom and a chair-maker’s workshop! A lot of history behind those walls.

Spend a great family day out playing outdoors with the children and surrounded by lush green landscapes and nature. Enjoy an afternoon picnic in Borrans Park as you have fantastic views of Windermere lake. Lay down on the grass, set your blanket and your basket and get ready to spend a wonderful afternoon and even take a nap… Why not? This park merges with the Roman Fort which is also worth a visit. Sit down and watch the boats cruising along the lake.

This church is characterised for being one of the few churches with a spire here in the Lake District.c Conceived by Sir George Gilbert Scott, this building dates back to the mid 1800s and the interior houses carved oak choir stalls and the baptismal font together with relief of Wordsworth.

On the southside of Waterhead’s lakefront you can enjoy a fabulous picture-perfect garden that can be breached from Jenkin Crag walk. The colors of the rainbow are on display with the cultivated azaleas, camellias and magnolias. The shrubs grow quite nicely in the soil of this area, blending perfectly with deep woodland and valleys. Not far from here there is a nice beck with little waterfalls. April, May and June is one of the best times to visit as the blooming will be at its maximum peak.

Feeling hungry after a long day visiting or hiking in the Lake District? It is time to sit down, relax and order some great dishes from excellent cooks bringing the best quality ingredient and fresh produce to your table. Fancy a romantic sophisticated dinner at Lake Road Kitchen or maybe a Sunday roast dinner at The Flying Fleece? Ambleside has become a reference for foodies over the past years. Menus evolving and changing to offer your palate an explosion of flavours like no others! If you crave some Japanese food, Wabi Sabi has excellent sushi, ramen and handmade Gyoza. Zeffirellis & Fellinis is an award winning restaurant with delicious vegetarian food although meat lovers will fulfill their craves too! And when the night arrives, have a cocktail at their jazz bar. In the centre of Ambleside you have Dodd’s for lunch, dinner or coffee in a relaxed atmosphere with Mediterranean cuisine.

There is something for everybody in Ambleside. Train lovers can have the opportunity of visiting four different train attractions and ride on steam trains. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway runs from its own station into the Eskdale valley. Along the route there are seven stops where you can enjoy walks and picnics. Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is at the south of Windermere Lake. Get some incredible views on the route across the South Tyne Valley with the South Tynedale Railway. And from Easter until October, you can visit the Threlkeld Quarry & Mining Museum Steam Train any day of the week. Sounds like a plan for a family day out!