Out and About

The house is located on the edge of Ambleside with uninterrupted views of the mountains. In the words of one guest, Bracken Howe is an “…amazing home, in an ideal location…” in the garden at the rear of the property you can sit on the balcony (or in the hot tub) enjoying a panoramic view of Loughrigg Fell and the mountains around the Fairfield Horseshoe. For the energetic there are walks, in all directions and of all levels, that can be taken straight from the front door. Alternatively, within 2 or 3 minutes level walk, you can be in the centre of Ambleside, with all is pubs, restaurants and shops, and with no need to take the car.

We strongly recommend that guests take advantage of the wonderful location of the property. Ambleside is one of the region’s most popular towns, with so much to offer and set right at the heart of central Lake District, boarding the north shores of Lake Windermere. Ambleside’s activities include boats (large and small) on Windermere, England’s largest lake, including for example a steamer trip, or there is rowing, canoeing, sailing and motorboats on the lake.

For other activities in the town there are: tennis courts, pitch and putt, local bike hire, climbing, walking, cycling and water sports. There are also organised tours and regular buses to explore the surrounding areas. For a rainy day, a few minutes’ walk from the property is Zefferelli’s multi-screen cinema to take in a movie, which could perhaps be followed by a meal at their own well-regarded vegetarian restaurant. On selected evenings (normally Fridays and Saturdays) you can also listen to a Jazz band at Zeffirelli’s (free entry) while having a drink or a meal.

The Ambleside Climbing Wall and Bouldering Cave is a 5-minute walk away and the Cafe Altitude is a great place to watch the action.

It’s no secret that the Lake District has some of the best places to eat, from Michelin standard food to simple dishes that showcase the region’s top local produce. For dining and drinking, there are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes within a few hundred metres of the property. If you would prefer a take-away meal back at Bracken Howe there is choice of French, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican and English food within a few minutes’ walk.

There are many nearby walks around Ambleside, which can be started directly from the front door of Bracken Howe. This includes the Fairfield Horseshoe which is visible from the garden and is a one of the great high-level Lake District walks while Loughrigg Fell, directly behind the house, is a wonderful medium level hike. An even more straightforward walk, directly from the property and taking in two lakes, is along the western bank of Rydal Water then along the shores of Grasmere and back along the eastern shores of both lakes taking in the history of Wordsworth at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, before returning to Bracken Howe. With all these walks, along the way, you will find great places for eating and drinking.

Cumbria isn’t exactly filled with golf courses, but what it doesn’t have in numbers it makes up for in quality, variety and value for money. The nearest course is Windermere Golf Club, which is approximately 5 miles away.

Bicycles are available for rental locally (within a 5 minute walk). Secure bike storage is available at the property with prior notice.

Well kept public tennis courts available less than a 10 minute walk away. Equipment is available to hire in Platts Park.

In short, much of your holiday could be spent in and around Ambleside, without using your car. If you do want to use the car, however, it will be much rewarded as about twenty minutes’ drive takes you: west to Coniston Water; north to Keswick; south to Hawkshead; or east to Ullswater. Even closer are: Langdale Valley (west); Grasmere (north); and Bowness-on-Windermere (south), which are all about ten minutes’ drive from Ambleside.

Getting Around

There is a frequent bus service in Ambleside (eg Rydal, Langdale, Grasmere, Keswick, Windermere, Kendal).
Windermere station is approximately 5 miles away.

Numerous taxi companies serve the area including vehicles carrying 8-10 passengers.

On the hall table, there are folders containing numerous contact numbers for events and facilities and in case guests experience any difficulty.