Things to do at Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside

A bridge crossing a stream at Stagshaw Garden, Ambleside, Cumbria. — A bridge crossing a stream at Stagshaw Garden, Ambleside | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

Drink in the views from lofty peaks, stroll along lakeshore paths or go for a wander in the woodlands with these popular spots and walks in Ambleside. Discover the Roman fort down by the lakeside then make your way down to Stock Beck to have a look at Ambleside’s most curious relic: Bridge House.

Escape to Stagshaw Garden

Just a short walk from Ambleside, this informal woodland garden is a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle below. Sit and enjoy views out to the lake and fells beyond.

Created by Cubby Acland, a former National Trust land agent in 1957, the garden has an outstanding collection of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas as well as many other unusual trees and plants.

There are more than 300 shrubs set among the large native oak trees, and carpets of native daffodils and bluebells bursting into life in the spring. Look out for Cubby’s Painters’ Palette where he planted an array of camellias to represent an artist’s palette, complete with a thumb hole.

Getting to Stagshaw garden

There is a small car park just off the A591 at Waterhead, signposted Stagshaw Garden. Use LA22 0HE for satnav. You can walk from Waterhead where the Windermere Lake Cruises boats sail from the pier.

Skelghyll Woods

Nestled above Stagshaw Gardens, Skelghyll woods is home to some of the tallest trees in England with views over Windermere from Jenkyn’s Crag. Follow the waymarks on the Champion Tree Trail to find giant Wellingtonias and Douglas firs.

See the tallest Grand Fir in England at a whopping 59.7 metres high. The record was held by a 58 metre high tree in County Durham until September 2024. The Grand Fir is nearly 200 years old. It is taller than local landmark Ambleside Parish Church, and Nelson's Column in London. It would also tower over 10 double decker buses stacked on top of each other.

With benches at all the best viewpoints, this is a great short walk and can be combined with a wander round Stagshaw Gardens or as part of a longer walk between Ambleside and Troutbeck.

Jenkins Field

This small field is directly alongside the lakeshore, there is a bench at a viewing point where you can look across towards Wray and watch the many boats and watercraft sail by. The field is often grazed by sheep. You can help the farmers by making sure to always follow the Countryside Code.

View of a small 17th-century stone house that forms a bridge over the river in Ambleside — The 17th-century Bridge House over Stock Beck in Ambleside | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Bridge House

Bridge House stands over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside as a quirky reminder of the town's past. One of the Lake District’s most famous buildings, Bridge House attracts thousands of visitors every year. Come and see this quaint 17th-century building, it has had many uses over the centuries, including housing a family of eight.

Walk & Talk of The Armitt and Bridge House every Thursday, 11.30am and 2.30pm. £9.50 includes admission to The Armitt, no advance booking required, simply arrive at the museum at least 10 minutes before the talk starts.

Getting to Bridge House

The closest parking is at Rydal Road car park (charges apply). Use LA22 9AY for satnav. On foot, turn right out of the car park and Bridge House is situated just a short walk along the pavement on the right. The Armitt is across the road from Bridge House, just past the mini roundabout on the right. There are regular bus services through Ambleside see the Stagecoach website for timetables.

Discover a Roman fort

Uncover the history of the Roman fort in Ambleside that dates back to the 1st century. Imagine a bustling community during your visit to the remains on the shore of Lake Windermere.

Ambleside Roman Fort is open every day, all year round. It’s a popular spot for some peace and quiet in the town. The bustle of the crowd falls away as you wander across the fort site towards the head of the lake.

Getting to the Roman Fort

The closest car park is at Waterhead (charges apply). Use LA22 0ES for satnav. On foot, turn right out of Waterhead car park and cross the road. With the lake on your left follow the path through Borrans Park until you reach the gate for Ambleside Roman Fort.

Green field with low stone walls and an interpretation board — The remains of a Roman fort in Ambleside that dates back to the 1st century. | © Hunter

Dora's Field

This semi-open woodland, renowned for fine displays of bluebells and daffodils, was once owned by William Wordsworth. Wordsworth bought this small plot of land in Rydal in 1826 and later gave it to his daughter, Dora. When she tragically died, Wordsworth, his wife and their gardener planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs in her memory.

A relaxing wander around Dora’s Field or a sit-down on a bench is a lovely way to lose half an hour in Rydal. If you fancy a longer walk (approximately 3.5miles) you can follow waymarked footpaths around Rydal water and Grasmere lake to the village of Grasmere to visit Allan Bank, once home to Wordsworth and his family it's not your usual National Trust house. The footpaths start opposite the Badger Bar.

Getting to Dora's Field

Dora’s Field is approximately 1.5m north of Ambleside, next to St Mary's Church. Follow the A591 from Ambleside to Rydal on foot or by car, or take the 555 or 559 bus and get off at the Rydal Mount stop.

Great walks around Ambleside and Windermere

Put the amble in Ambleside with these popular walks, whether you fancy an outdoor feast in lofty surroundings or an easily accessible lakeside park with perfect picnic spots

Ambleside Champion Tree Trail: Discover some of the tallest trees in England on this 45-minute circular walk through Skelghyll Woods and take in the views from Jenkyn’s Crag. Follow the tree symbols and stop off at one of the many picnic benches for a breather and a tasty treat.Download the trail
Ambleside to Troutbeck and back via Wansfell: Visit the 17th-century Townend farmhouse and return to Ambleside via a more challenging route over Wansfell Pike. Wansfell boasts great views over the surrounding fells.Download the trail
Ambleside Common Wood Walk: Take a casual stroll through moss-covered oak trees and discover a variety of wildlife habitats, the babbling beck and coppiced hazel. Drink in the far-reaching views of Windermere from Common Wood.Download the trail
Post Knott, Windermere Views Walk: A short but steep climb takes you up to a variety of panoramic views of Windermere and the fells beyond, with plenty of resting places and potential picnic sites.Download the trail

Take to the waters

Whether you fancy a kayak, canoe, paddle board, good old-fashioned rowing boat or a cruise, there are plenty of ways to enjoy lake Windermere. Fell Foot park at the southern tip of the lake is great for watersports, it has changing roooms and Stoked Watersports offer lessons and equipment hire. You can also take a cruise to and from Ambleside with Windermere Lake Cruises.