“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever”

So wrote John Keats at the start of his epic poem Endymion.  To be fair, scholars are not divided on what he meant by that, but we’d like to add our own interpretation … that he was talking about Ambleside. Or at least could have been.  Or maybe would have if he’d known!

The poet did indeed visit the Lakes in the early part of the nineteenth century, and it’s highly likely that if he visited Ambleside again he’d find at its heart that very little had changed.  Sure there are differences – such as car parks – but the calm, peaceful serenity of the place, surrounded by the most gorgeous countryside, he would recognise and feel at home in at once.

But it’s not only a beautiful place – throughout the year there’s plenty to do, and in this article we’ll highlight some of the forthcoming events that you can look forward to if you stay in our Guest House in Ambleside.  Spring is in the air, of course, and with it the countryside comes to life … and those darling buds of May (continuing our poetic theme) are there to be enjoyed.

Apart from the season, there are some very particular events coming up:

1^st May

“Jazz Jam” – the opportunity to play jazz with a professional rhythm section … even your own compositions.  How wonderful is that?  For more information contact Pete Major on 07799 788777

5^th May

“WithNay and I” – an acoustic music duo who play wonderful and innovative arrangements of classics such as Imagine and Moon River, along with some of their own compositions.  Not to be missed!  For more information call the venue Zeffirellis on 01539 433845

6^th May

Jiannis Pavlidis – a virtuoso jazz guitarist who will delight you. For more information call the venue Zeffirellis on 01539 433845

12^th May

Matt Cowe plays Chet Atkins – moving away from the jazz canon, this show will highlight the joy and nostalgia of the best of classic country music. For more information call the venue Zeffirellis on 01539 433845

13^th May

Tim Franks Quartet – described as “a master of the groove”, this brilliant drummer will show you just how good a live music experience can be, and you’ll be blown away by master saxophonist Mike Hall. For more information call the venue Zeffirellis on 01539 433845

19^th May

EITHER the wonderfully titled “Asaxual” – so who needs a saxophone?  Magnificent and innovative performances of two brass front lines by these wonderful musicians.

OR the “Balkanics” – big band seven-piece Balkan and Klezmer tunes played with an unusual twist!

For more information on either event call the venue Zeffirellis on 01539 433845

The list goes on.  Later in May there’s a marathon around Lake Windermere you can take part in, or continue relaxing and take in some more brilliant musical performances.  You can find details on all of these by following this link:

What’s on if you stay at a Guest House in Ambleside

And let’s not forget that sometimes the best events of them all are those that you create yourself!

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 you can do so online, or please call us on

01539 432307

or you can visit our web site

Guest House Ambleside

We look forward to delighting you!