The name Ambleside is believed to be Norse for a place that had ‘a river’, ‘a sandbar’ and ‘a pasture’.

The town of Ambleside is located at the head of Lake Windermere in the English Lake District National Park and is situated approximately halfway between Grasmere and Bowness-On-Windermere.

In addition to the Norse connection, there is a Roman fort to the south of Ambleside dating to around AD 79.

Ambleside is a market town with a market charter which was granted during the reign of James 2nd.

A market is still held in the town. The market helped establish the city as a center for agriculture and wool.

The town is well known as a center for walkers and is situated just to the east of the famous Loughrigg Fell and slightly to the west of Wansfell.

Ambleside now makes its living primarily as an accommodation hub catering to walkers in the National Park, as well as becoming increasingly known as a ‘foodie hub’ due to the many high quality restaurants and eating places that have gradually established.

Transport links are excellent with an hourly bus service to and from Kendal and Keswick.

There is a railway station in nearby Windermere which connects with the West Coast mainline at Oxenholme West Coast railway station through the village of Staveley and on to Kendal town station.

Overall, Ambleside is a thriving no-nonsense working community and an excellent center for a strenuous walking holiday or those with more sedate interests.

Copyright 2017