Our little guide to Ambleside
As staycations go, you’d struggle to find a more ideal setting than Brathay Hall and estate. Brathay is at the epicentre of all the exciting attractions and outdoor adventures the Lake District has to offer, yet we are tucked away, surrounded by the beautiful mountain views that have inspired our most famous poets and artists for centuries, with our own ancient woodlands and private lake access.
So, if you’re planning on visiting us this spring (and we hope you are!) then why not make the most of our local knowledge with our latest recommendations on places to eat and explore. We asked a few of our staff to give their personal recommendations.
PLACES TO EAT
- Chester’s by the River
A bright modern cafe with a riverside deck, serving homemade lunch, classic cakes and damn good coffee. Great location, buzzing atmosphere and an imaginative, vegetarian menu.
Café · Shop · Takeaway
Skelwith Bridge, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 9NJ
- Zeffirellis
An independent cinema with an authentic pizzeria attached and relaxed jazz cafe for live music. Unique in style, taste and atmosphere, ‘Zeffs’ offer the complete evening out.
Be sure to also check out their movie deal offer - a two course meal and reserved cinema seat for just £25.75.
Millans Park, Ambleside, LA22 9AD
- Jintana Thai Restaurant
This rather quirky restaurant offers diners a relaxed, friendly environment in which to enjoy freshly prepared authentic Thai Cuisine. Excellent choice for both meat eaters and vegetarians. One not to miss.
Compston Rd, Ambleside LA22 9DJ
Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
LOCAL WALKS
- Loughrigg
Loughrigg Fell, one of the best walks from Ambleside, gives spectacular panoramic views of the falls, Langdales, and Grasmere. It's a great choice if you want instant scenery without too much of an uphill slog!
- Tarn Hows
An easy 2-mile route that is possibly the most photographed short walk in the Lakes and always a hot favourite with everyone at Brathay! It’s a low-level circular path around the edges of the tarn surrounded by woodland. You can start from a few different car parks, all about 5 miles out of Ambleside towards Coniston. The views of Langdale are to die for on a clear day.
- Wansfell Pike
The climb to Wansfell Pike just outside Ambleside is steep but well worth the effort. Surrounded by deep valleys and woodland and waterfalls, the route is separated from its neighbouring peaks giving stunning unrestricted views of Ambleside and beyond from the summit.
THINGS TO DO
- Wray Castle
Situated on the quieter side of Windermere, this National Trust Victorian neo-gothic building is not your typical castle. With fun activities such as castle building and dressing up spaces, rope swings, lovely gardens and a fascinating free castle tour, it's definitely worth a visit.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle
- Windermere Lake Cruises
No matter where you start your journey, be it Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside, a cruise on England’s largest lake promises magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and romantic wooded islands.
You can even make a day of it with a combined boat and local attraction, perfect for a family day out.
www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
- Add Adventure at Brathay Hall
As the name suggests, our 'Add Adventure' packages are designed to add a few thrills and spills to your staycation at Brathay.
All our visitors are invited to book exciting one-off activities in advance of their stay.
Whatever you choose, qualified instruction and specialist equipment is provided, and the session will be tailored to suit your own experience.
Activities include:
- Lake-based canoeing or kayaking
- Whaler
- Ropes courses
- Zip wire
- Leap of faith
- Beginners and intermediate hill/fell walk
- Bush craft / fire lighting
- Voyageur canoeing
- Problem solving exercises
- Ghyll scrambling
If any of our recommendations have temped you to come and stay with us, whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have en-suite rooms, self-catering properties and campervan pitches to suit.