Ambleside & Grasmere

A day trip to enjoy two of the Lake District's beautiful towns of Ambleside & Grasemere

Ambelside -  a popular market town perfectly located in the heart of the national park. Surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells, Ambleside’s roots are in the medieval woollen trade, but the town you see today is primarily Victorian, built of traditional grey slate.

There are also some fabulous restaurants, cafés and pubs to satisfy the discerning palette and numerous award-winning ales to quench your thirst. Ambleside’s specialist shops offer a welcome variation on high street chains. There is no shortage of outdoor clothing specialists waiting to kit you out in the latest gear for any activity, from walking to windsurfing.

Grasmere is a small, picturesque village in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by dramatic fells and woodland. It makes an excellent day visit because the village is compact, scenic, and easy to combine with a short walk, a lake visit, and a good lunch.

What Grasmere feels like

The village has a traditional Lakeland character: stone cottages, little shops, cafés, old inns and narrow lanes, with the mountains rising immediately around it. It can be busy during the daytime, particularly at weekends and in summer, but stepping a little away from the centre quickly brings you into much quieter countryside.

A good day in Grasmere — explore the village

• Wander around the village centre and browse its independent shops.

• Visit St Oswald's Church, associated with William Wordsworth and his family.

• Try the famous Grasmere Gingerbread, which has been made in the village for generations.

• If you're interested in literature, Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's former home, is a particularly worthwhile visit.