We’ve seen how wonderful Ambleside itself is, and we’ve agreed that there’s so much to do here that you’re spoilt for choice – very much what’s known as a “First World Problem” and an excuse, if one is needed, to sit down and think about it while taking in the view and perhaps enjoying a nice cup of tea or something even stronger?  As A E Housman so eloquently wrote (we do love our poetry):

Into my heart an air that kills
From yon far country blows:
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?

That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.

Very melancholic, you’ll agree, but unnecessarily so in our case as of course we can come again.  And again.  Now, where were we?  That’s right, we were sitting down enjoying a cup of tea in the sunshine and thinking – today let’s go out of Ambleside and visit somewhere new.  But where?  Well, it depends what sort of mood you’re in and how energetic you’re feeling.

It’s worth mentioning that, although the Lakes are famous for walking, you don’t have to be a serious walker with the proper boots and a backpack and all the gear and be prepared for ten mile hikes – let’s face it, that isn’t for everyone.  You may just want to go to a beautiful spot and admire the view.

So here’s our Starter for Ten: Loughrigg Fell.  Surely one of the most beautiful views on the planet!  Just take a moment to feast your eyes on this:

Photo by JosephsDad, Tripadvisor

Did you read the Beatrix Potter books as a small child?  One of my earliest and happiest memories is of receiving the little hardback books about Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin and Jemima Puddle-Duck (now this really is an A E Housman moment!).

Image from peterrabbit.com

Anyway, when Beatrix Potter died in 1943 she left fifteen farms and over four thousand acres of land to the National Trust, and in accordance with her wishes Hill Top Farm was left exactly as it had been when she lived in it … and you can visit it today!

Photo by management, Tripadvisor

If you are feeling energetic, then there’s a brilliant ‘Go Ape’ at nearby Grizedale Forest.  This is what their website says:

Enjoy two to three hours in the trees taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings; a high ropes course for all the family. Set in a forest of sky-scraping Douglas Firs, Grizedale feels seriously high, mainly due to its vertigo-inducing 19 metre platforms. Our South Lakes adventure features two Zip Wires which fly over the road below!

Sounds fun?  You bet!

Then there’s the charm of Grizedale Forest itself, Ambleside Waterhhead, Bridge House, Wray Castle, Rydal Hall Gardens, Jenkin Crag … we simply haven’t got room for them all!

So here’s what to do.  First of all, book a room with us, then you know you’re covered.  Then do some research, ask people who’ve been before, call us for new ideas … and get ready for the time of your life!

If you decide to stay with us we’ll be delighted to give you a very warm Lake District welcome, and do everything we can to make your stay a memorable one!  If you have any questions or would like to make a booking, please call us on

01539 432307

or you can visit our website

Guest House in Ambleside

We look forward to delighting you!