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Ambleside Accommodation
Emphasis on local social history at the Armitt Museum
'Old' Rydal. Wordsworth's home near Ambleside
Harriot Martineau's Life Mask at the Armitt, Spook!Ambleside Tourist Information Lake District UK
Ambleside today is paradise for the specialist shopper, with an ample selection of climbing gear shops, pubs, cafes, antiques, charming traditional sweet shops and such like. Ambleside had rather a few mills at one time, first corn, then wool, then bobbin. Now it retains it's market town heritage, and attracts hordes of visitors all year round. Especially busy in summer, be warned!! Just 1 mile from Ambleside on the A591 Grasmere Road is the renowned Wordsworth home, Rydal Mount, set in 4 acres of landscaped gardens, Wordsworth being rather fond of gardening.
Exquisite views are to be had up here across to Lake Windermere and Rydal Water, and of course panoramic views of his beloved fells. Take time to explore the jewel in Ambleside's crown, the collection of Kurt Schwitters' work at the Armitt Museum, an artist who rejected cliques and a master of collage years ahead of his time.
Ambleside Specialist Shopping and Arts and Crafts
For specialist items, arts and crafts and independent shops you can't do better than Ambleside! Shops with character are on the menu here, perfect for browsing for outdoor clothing, local fine foods and there's ample choice of tea rooms, cosy pubs and restaurants to collapse in after your hard days shop! Ahh, retail therapy - watch those credit cards!!
The Armitt Museum and Library, Ambleside
Start your journey into Ambleside and surrounds history at the wonderful Armitt Museum & Library. A museum with a strong local focus, here you'll find out the social history of people who actually lived here, from the Romans to of course renowned poets, artists and such like including Willie Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and political economist and writer on social issues, Harriet Martineau (check out her life mask!). The photography of Herbert Bell, local 19th century photographer.
The collection of Schwitters' work here at the Armitt is a treasure trove! Works include 'Wood on Wood' (1947), The Armitt is a rather special museum, partly because it keeps it's focus local.
Exhibitions range from local history, including the superb photographic collection of Victorian photographer Herbert Bell who was once a local chemist in Ambleside, to geology to exquisite naturalist paintings by Beatrix Potter. Prior to her journey into
Move on to the Roman collection of bones, pottery, glass, ironware and lead slingshots and game counters. There's also two models of a Roman fort located in the Ambleside area by R.G. Collingwood. A selection of events and workshops run throughout the year.
Ambleside Tourist Information Centre
Ambleside Tourist Information Centre, Central Buildings, Market Cross, LA22 9BS. Tel: 015394 32582
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