Ambleside, in the heart of the English Lake District, is situated just half a mile from the northern end of beautiful Lake Windermere, Ambleside’s distinctive green slate buildings merge harmoniously with the fields and fells all around. To the north is the spectacular Fairfield Horseshoe, which rises to nearly 3,000 ft to dominate the skyline. By complete contrast, to the west is gentle Loughrigg Fell, beneath which the River Rothay meanders from Grasmere to Ambleside and into Lake Windermere. To the east is steep and stately Wansfell Pike, where on a clear day you can see across the fell tops to the sea or across to the Pennines. Throughout the middle ages, Ambleside thrived with wool to trade and water power so readily available - the little market centre prospered well on cloth, corn, paper and bobbin mills. Victorian prosperity brought a remarkable boom to Ambleside, as wealthy industrialists built large country houses in the area, especially following the arrival of the railway to Windermere in 1847. Since then, tourists have found Ambleside to be a favourite destination, enjoying the warmth and friendliness of the local people, where individuality has created many unique and fascinating features to interest all tastes. 