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The quaint Victorian community of Ambleside lies nestled in the mountains of northern England. Situated within the Lake District National Park, the picturesque town is only a mile north of Lake Windermere. The Romans entered the area beginning in the first century AD. Once the Roman Empire succumbed to deterioration, most of the population was gone 400 years later. South of Ambleside, beside Borrans Park, visitors find the remains of Fort Galava. The Roman fortress once housed up to 500 Roman soldiers and stones taken from the fort were used in building the town.
Around 1000 AD, the Norse Vikings occupied the area, bringing agriculture and livestock into the region. The Herdwick sheep still raised in the community are believed to be direct descendents of Viking herds. Being isolated in the mountains, the area slowly evolved, and by the Victorian Era, the community grew from being mainly agricultural to having manufacturing, mining and quarrying. The 21.3 meter (70-foot) waterfall, known as the Stock Ghyll Falls, once supplied power to 12 water wheels and the town's mills. The region that boasts warm, dry summers and mild winters has been home to many including famed authors Beatrix Potter, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
Activities and Attractions
Ambleside has extensive outdoor entertainment whether looking for leisurely activities or an adrenaline rush. The area provides guided and self-guided tours of the beautiful countryside with numerous biking and walking paths taking individuals on journeys lasting a few hours or a full day. Take a leisurely cruise on Lake Windermere or indulge in a hot air balloon ride and witness the amazing view. Rock climbing, scrambling and abseiling are popular mountain sports and guides provide all of the necessary equipment. Adventures are designed for individuals or entire families. Warm weather holds a host of traditional sporting events from hound trailing and sheepdog trials to football and wrestling.
Stroll through the town square and up to the 300-year-old Bridge House overlooking Stock Ghyll Falls. Visit Dove Cottage, once the home of William Wordsworth, now a museum containing needlework and poetry workshops. When there is a chill in the air, guests are welcome to sit by the fire and enjoy tea along with a poetry reading. Ambleside has many galleries and museums including the Armitt Library and Museum, which houses ancient archaeological, geological and local historical artefacts along with paintings, pottery and sculptures. Dozens of independent shops line the streets of Ambleside offering everything from handmade specialty items, sweet treats to outdoor clothing and equipment.
Accommodations and Dining
Ambleside has a wide variety of accommodations from elegant country estate hotels, self-catering cottages, and bed and breakfasts to budget friendly hostels. Stay close to the town centre and all of the activities or venture into the English countryside and stroll through the manicured gardens with spectacular views of the fells. Journeying from one place to another is relatively easy as the town is serviced by buses, taxis and a railway.
The community also has a large selection of restaurants, cafes and take aways whether guests are seeking fine dining or a quick sandwich. Various local cuisines include Chinese, English, and European along with Indian and Italian.
Accommodation in Ambleside
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