From Cozy Pubs To Scenic Trails, This Lake District Village Is A Must-Visit In England

Europe is full of postcard-perfect fairy-tale villages, and England is no exception. From the Cotswolds to Cornwall, there's no shortage of charming hamlets, seaside settlements, and rural burgs scattered throughout the countryside. One of these is Ambleside, found in the picturesque county of Cumbria, inside England's Lake District National Park. The Lake District, made famous especially through the literary works of British icons like children's author Beatrix Potter and the poet William Wordsworth, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest England, characterized by mountainous landscapes, thriving villages, and expansive cultural heritage. Ambleside, situated near the park's Lake Windermere, is known as "the jewel in Lakeland's crown."

Not only does visiting Ambleside grant you access to the iconic, rugged landscapes of the Lake District, it also provides a quintessential English village experience. Voted one of the best small towns in Europe by Travel + Leisure, Ambleside will charm your socks off with its little pubs, sweet shops, lake views, historic square, and surrounding nature. There's nothing like stopping by a cozy fire in an English pub after a day of walking through the quaint countryside, which you'll discover firsthand on your trip to Ambleside.

Ambleside is considered one of the gateways to the Lake District, and makes an ideal base for exploring. Start by walking around the neighboring Lake Windermere, England's largest lake. You'll pass lovely gardens along this easy lakeside path, and possibly meet several ducks and swans along the way. Southeast of town, walk up Jenkin Crag for sweeping views of Ambleside and the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Ambleside is a good starting point for several walks through the famous Lake District Fells (moor-covered hills), one of the best ways to experience the Lake District. From the center of Ambleside, at the Salutation Hotel, you can hike up Loughrigg Fell for stunning views and a visit to Rydal Cave, a former slate quarry now known for its beauty. You can also take a circular route to the picturesque, stone High Sweden Bridge for a picnic, or walk for two hours to the iconic Britannia Inn and pub in Elterwater. For a longer hike, take the classic Fairfield Horseshoe, a challenging, six-hour trek of nearly 11 miles, crossing the Fairfield mountains. 

While summer is the most popular time to visit the Lake District, it's also an underrated winter destination in the U.K. The weather won't be as nice, but if you're lucky, you'll see the famous landscapes under a dusting of snow. You'll also be able to escape the tourist crowds in Ambleside, which can be large during the high season, and the bonus is, the pubs will be even cozier.

While you could spend your whole time in Ambleside walking the quaint streets or exploring the surrounding Lake District, there are plenty of other ways to fill your time. Not far along the shores of Lake Windermere, you'll find one of the U.K.'s most stunning Gothic castles, the 19th-century Wray Castle, which can be reached via Ambleside's Waterhead Pier, a short walk, bus, or horse-drawn carriage ride from the town. At the pier, you can also catch ferries to the charming village of Bowness-on-Windermere, one of the most visited destinations in the Lake District and home to plenty of pubs, tourist information, and charming inns. You can also take the ferry to the Brockhole Visitor Centre, which has expansive gardens and offers activities like archery, mini-golf, kayaking, or rope courses. 

One of Ambleside's most famous sights is the 17th-century Bridge House, which crosses the waters of Stock Ghyll. Follow the creek farther along, and you'll discover the beautiful 70-foot-high waterfalls of Stock Ghyll Force. Finally, although Ambleside gives more Victorian vibes, it's also home to some intriguing Roman ruins. Galava, now in nearby Borrans Field, was built as a stone fort by the Romans in 120 C.E. 

Take a break from your exploring around Ambleside in a pub. Like any respectable English village, Ambleside has a small selection of charming, cozy pubs, ideal for having a pint, enjoying views of the village or the lake, or tucking into a meal of hearty, locally sourced fare.