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Ambleside
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Swans on Lake Windermere, Lake District

Town: Ambleside
Region: Central Lakes
County: Cumbria
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Full Description:
Ambleside is located at the head of Lake Windermere in the centre of the Lake District National Park and is truly one of the regions real jewels. It is a busy little market town with something for everyone, including: a good range of shops, plenty of eateries/pubs and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Being situated as it is at the centre of the area's road system Ambleside is a very convenient starting point for walking, cycling or driving excursions into all areas of the Lake District.

Ambleside is rich with history and heritage. The Roman fort Galava was located here, the crumbling remains can be seen in Borran's field at Waterhead. Ambleside has long been an important area within the Lake District. It boasts the 17th century Bridge House, one of the smallest houses in the UK, including the famous Ambleside Museum, home to many Beatrix Potter artefacts, guaranteed to hold the attention of visitors and offer an insight into local life.
Ambleside has easy access to the fells and breathtaking mountains, and hence makes an ideal base for a walking or climbing holiday. For the less energetic, there are walks along the shore of Lake Windermere, boat trips on the lake and an array of interesting visitor attractions. Shoppers are well catered for also with an array of outdoor retail outlets, craft shops and galleries. Stock Ghyll Force, a beautiful waterfall, provides another outstanding natural attraction.

As a tourist centre Ambleside has a long and favourable history. However, the last twenty five years in particular have seen a boom in tourism and the services on offer, as upgrading of catering and accommodation at all levels has been undertaken. All sectors of the market are well served, and campers and gourmets alike will find something satisfactory.
Ambleside is easily reached by road and rail, being located just 20 miles from the M6 motorway, and is served by several public bus services. The nearest rail station is at Windermere just four miles away, with a direct link to Manchester airport and easily accessible by bus or taxi.

Appleby In Westmorland (Appleby) is a historic town which has been inhabited for over 1,000 years and is set in the eastern Lake’s in the centre of the beautiful Eden Valley region. The River Eden is close by and the town is overlooked by the Pennine range with the Lake District National Park close by to the west. It was originally the principle town of the county of Westmorland, and is without doubt one of the prettiest towns in Northern England. In 1092 control of Appleby was passed from Scotland to England, but despite this continued to suffer badly from attacks from the marauding Scots and was essentially destroyed in 1388 by sustained raids. Thankfully most visiting Scots today are a little friendlier!!
The town is a great place for tourists either as a base to explore the region, for a visit or to tackle the many walks in the surrounding fells.
Appleby has kept its old world charm, and the people of Appleby are amongst the friendliest you can find. The historic street of Boroughgate, boasts many interesting old buildings, and links the historic Norman Castle with the beautiful medieval St. Lawrence church. Boroughgate can give you a taste of Medieval England, and the tranquillity of the countryside can be found in riverside walks just five minutes of the market square.

The motte and bailey type castle dates from the 12th century; the eastern part was re-built in the mid 15th century by Lord Clifford and was restored by Lady Clifford late in the 17th century,
The world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway runs through Appleby with the town being one of the major stop off points for rail travellers. Visitors should include on there itinerary a trip on the railway, especially if the steam trains are running, which passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the North of England.

During June the annual three hundred year old Horse Fair is held, and the experience the atmosphere is well worth the visit. The fair was traditionally an event where Gypsies from all over the country gathered to sell their horses, and exchange stories and life experiences. Nowadays it has expended to include a whole array of activities. In July the annual Jazz Festival takes place, and is fast becoming a very popular fixture in the calendar to rival the horse fair.
Appleby has not been swamped by tourism to the point of strangulation and visitors will find that all the town's facilities are available to them.
There is a selection of Hotels, Guest houses and self catering accommodation with a wide variety of local attractions to suit all tastes.



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