Discover Ambleside, Cumbria, UK

Ambleside, a small town in the Lake District region of Cumbria, has become a major tourist destination and is known as the gateway to the Lakes. Vibrant and bustling, it is popular with walkers and climbers who wish to explore the stunning Lake District National Park and also with holidaymakers looking for a place to stay by Lake Windemere - England's largest natural lake - and near all that the Lake District has to offer. The Windemere ferry terminal at Waterhead Pier dates back to 1845, and from here you can get ferries out to Bowness, Brockhole - where the excellent Lake District visitor centre is located - or simply take a picturesque sightseeing cruise around the lake. In the summer months, you can take a horse-drawn carriage from the centre of the town down to the pier. Ambleside is a classic Cumbrian town, with many independent shops, places to stay, restaurants, cafes and pubs, as well as historic buildings, including the iconic 17th Century Bridge House which is now owned by the National Trust. Just a short stroll from the centre of Ambleside is Stock Ghyll Force, a stunning 70-foot high waterfall that used to power 12 watermills. Nowadays, it is a very popular place to visit, especially in the spring where the area under the trees becomes a pretty carpet of daffodils. Ambleside is a fantastic base for all that the glorious Lake District has to offer.