We were really excited about finally reaching Ambleside after a long four hour drive. We checked in just after 4pm and said goodbye to my little car for the next few days. The Waterhead Hotel is a gorgeous little boutique hotel right on the water’s edge, and the hotel staff were very helpful. Our room was also wonderful and we had everything we needed ready for our car free adventure!
After we had unpacked a little bit, we wrapped up warm to take a walk around our surroundings. We walked along the lake promenade and the piers, and into the centre of Ambleside. It’s a lovely little town with lots of nice shops and things to see. After our walk we went back to the hotel for our dinner in the restaurants, which was delicious!
After an early night, on Tuesday we took a nice stroll to Rydal, where we went to visit Rydal Mount. It was a lovely walk, where we got great views of the hills, streams and sheep! Once there, we visited the former home of poet William Wordsworth, where we learnt about his history, and had a great time taking photos in the gardens. We then caught the open top bus to the next town, Grasmere. It was very easy to catch the bus as they are frequent and there are numerous bus stops along the main roads. It was very cold on the top of the bus but it was a very exciting experience! Once we stopped in Grasmere, we looked around Dove Cottage, and then walked into the town which was filled with cafes and quaint shops. We visited the famous Sarah Nelson Gingerbread shop, which is the tiniest shop I’ve ever seen! We got some mint cake and gingerbread from here, which make great gifts for family. After our trip to Grasmere, we hopped back on the bus to Ambleside. That afternoon, we went to the hotel’s sister site, Low Wood Bay, to use their swimming pool and amazing outdoor hot tub!
On Wednesday, we went to collect our electric bicycles from the recreation ground and cycled up to Bowness on Windermere. It is a very pretty little town, and we biked along the lake. The bikes were very impressive! They were like regular bikes, except when you are struggling to go up a hill, it will boost you with its power to speed you up! I was a little bit nervous about cycling, but with my helmet on, it was a pleasant experience. It did start to rain though, so we didn’t keep the bikes all day. After we returned the bikes, we headed to the local cinema in Ambleside to watch new film, Taken 2.
On our final day, Thursday, we checked out of the hotel at 12 and took a few more last photos in Ambleside. We then went back to my car to start the journey home. As we were driving home however, I spotted a stream of water coming from a mountainside, so we pulled over (where there was actually a bus stop) and walked up to the mountain to take some more photos. This was probably the highlight of my trip, as when we got up there it was quite a large waterfall. I had never seen a natural waterfall and it was very noisy but also beautiful! It was just off the A591 opposite the Arwboth turning, near Thirlmere.
Overall it was an amazing experience, and I would love to make a return visit in future. The hotel staff were especially helpful, and I really enjoyed staying in such a perfect location as Ambleside. A car wasn’t at all neccesary, as the buses imparticular were very practical, and parking can be costly. I would recommend the Lake District and Lake Windermere area to all couples who enjoy romantic days out, and walking. There is lots to do, for families as well as couples, and I hope to make another trip to the Lake District soon.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
