What makes Ambleside famous?

There are many reasons why the Lake District is so famous, but specifically for Ambleside, the village holds a few unique treasures that make it special…

  • Bridge House 

The 17th Century Bridge House over Stock Ghyll Beck has become an iconic landmark representing Ambleside and is one of the most photographed scenes in Lakeland. The building is unique due to its tiny size, which remarkably once housed a family of eight! It originated as an apple store for nearby Ambleside Hall and changed uses throughout the years acting as a counting house, a tea-room, a weaving shop, a cobblers and a chair makers. The house is now owned by the National Trust and allows visitors to explore the two rooms. 

  • Historic Churches 

Ambleside is home to two historic churches including St Mary’s Church and Mater Amabilis Church. St Mary’s Church dates back to the 17th century and boasts an unusual stone spire, which is an abnormal feature amongst Westmorland churches. Famous locals including Mary Louisa Armitt and members of her family are buried in the churchyard.  The towns Mater Amabilis church is decades old and is known locally as the ‘Tin Chapel’ due to its gothic design and use of local materials. 

  • Roman Forts

Ambleside has history dating back to the Roman times, with evidence of a fort showing in Borrans Field at the northern end of Lake Windermere. Little is known about the fort however small studies have revealed some interesting facts about the remains, which date back to the reign of Emperor Hadrian in AD 117. The tombstone of Flavius Romanus from the third century, which was found in the 1960s to the east of the fort, states that he was killed by an enemy inside the fort; whether his killer was a personal enemy or a member of an attacking force is unknown. It’s likely the fort was used to guard the Roman road from Brougham to Ravenglass and act as a base for supplies.

  • Armitt Museum 

Established in 1909, the Armitt Museum is a Lakeland museum, gallery and library filled with interesting and unique objects reflecting the history and heritage of Ambleside and its local people. The museum features exhibitions focused around notable historic locals including Beatrix Potter, Kurt Schwitters, John Ruskin and Mary Louise Armitt. 

  • University 

Ambleside is home to a University of Cumbria Campus, which is famous for being the only university campus in the UK located in a UNESCO World Heritage site.