Steamers (in reality diesel-powered ferries) run to Bowness-on-Windermere and Lakeside offering fine views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Ambleside is a base for hiking, mountaineering and mountain biking. It has a selection of hotels, guesthouses, pubs and restaurants.

The Armitt Library and Museum provides a fascinating source of local history with a collection which represents many of the local artists and writers of the past.

Its name came from Old Norse Á-mel-sǽtr = "river — sandbank — summer pasture".

On the west, Loughrigg Fell rises above the town; to the north are Red Screes and the hills of the Fairfield group; to the east is Wansfell.

Ambleside is administered by South Lakeland district council and forms part of the Lakes civil parish but from 1894 to 1935 it was a separate urban district council.

Image:Ambleside.jpg

1 Buildings
2 Mountain Rescue
3 References
4 Location Grid
5 External links

[edit] Buildings

[edit] Bridge House

Bridge House was built over Stock Ghyll more than 300 years ago probably as a summer house and apple store for Ambleside Hall. The building was purchased by local people in 1926 and given to the National Trust. It is now used as an information centre for the National Trust, and is part of the Trust's Windermere and Troutbeck property.

[edit] St Martin's College

St Martin's College, formerly Charlotte Mason College, can be found at the northern end of the town; courses held at the college include teacher education, sports and outdoor studies.

[edit] Outdoor shops

In 1959 Frank Davies opened The Climbers Shop - the first outdoor shop in Ambleside. Walking and climbing now form an important part of the local economy and lifestyle of the local people in the area.