Ambleside Attractions

Almost 2,000 years ago, Roman soldiers sailed up the Windermere. They came to protect the Empire's northern border and built a fort close to Waterhead. Ruins of the Roman fort dating to the first and second C are visible. Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman material collected in the area are on display.

Lake District Summer Music Festival is an annual two-week event that takes place in mid-August and includes nightly performances in the Charlotte Mason College. The events include orchestral, choral and chamber concerts and recitals, although the repertoire tends to focus more on chamber music.

The festival is also part of the famous summer school which offers vocal and instrumental chamber music tutorials. Music lovers are also encouraged to enroll as observers in these classes.

From Ambleside there are lovely walks and excursions - into Little Langdale, to Loughrigg Terrace (good view), up Walsfell Pike and Loughrigg Fell. The ascent of the Langdale Pikes takes about 1.5-2 hours. Dungeon Ghyll is a popular climbing center.

The Rush-Bearing Festival takes place on the first Saturday in July and traces back to the tradition of holding Roman harvest ceremonies. The festival includes parades with flowers and rushes carried to St Mary's Church. A street fair is also held throughout the day.

Stagshaw Garden is a National Trust property just south of Ambleside. This woodland garden features a collection of shrubs including rhodedendrons, azaleas and camelias. The garden was created by Cubby Acland.

The Armitt - A Lakeland Heritage Experience offers an interactive display where you will look at the area through its prominant, historical inhabitants: Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, William Green and many others.