iKnow Lake District
- Ambleside
- Near Ambleside
- Bowness on Windermere
- Windermere
- Coniston
- Grasmere
- Hawkshead
- West Lake District
Central Lake District Accommodation
Central Lake District Tourist Information. Arts and Crafts and Literary Heritage
The Central Lake District is rich in literary heritage. You'll find some big names here including of course William Wordsworth and his homes Rydal near Ambleside and Dove Cottage in Grasmere, but there's some surprises too. Check out some of Kurt Schwitters' work at the Armitt Museum, Ambleside.
Explore themed boat trips on Coniston Water, whether you're an Arthur Ransome and 'Swallows and Amazons' fan, or take the Bluebird tour and Donald Campbell's tragic end trying to break the speed record on Coniston Water. Rydal, Wordsworth's home is just outside Ambleside, and don't forget Beatrix Potter's farmhouse in Hawkshead, or perfect for the kids - The World of Beatrix Potter Experience' in Bowness-on-Windermere.
William Wordsworth, Kurt Schwitters and 'Swallows and Amazons'
The Armitt Museum in Ambleside has 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 is also fascinating.
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 _ miles 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. Schwitters was an artist who rejected cliques and has become known as the master of collage, years ahead of his time. Take time from your specialist shopping to enjoy the pleasure of his work right here in Ambleside.
Hawkshead, Hill Top Farm and Beatrix Potter
Hawkshead and the nearby village of Sawrey are where you start your Beatrix Potter pilgrimage!! Potter was rather an interesting character, pushing for independence from an Edwardian context of women firmly in the home. She bought Hill Top Farm in 1905, and it is now an extremely popular visitor attraction, so pre-booking recommended to avoid disappointment.
For some of the real Beatrix Potter, head for the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. Here you'll find a stunning collection of original sketches and watercolours painted by Beatrix Potter, and incorporated into her children's books.
Grasmere and William Wordsworth, William Wordsworth, William Wordsworth
Dove Cottage, the charming little cottage home of Mr Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808, and dates from the early 17th century. This period is said by some to be his peak. Approximately eighty thousand visitors come to Dove Cottage and its gardens every year, a reminder of Wordsworth's continuing popularity. Bet there's a few school trips in there!
The cottage remains very much as it was when Wordsworth was living there with his sister Dorothy and wife Mary, with frequent visitors like Coleridge and Thomas De Quincey. There's a superb guided on-line tour on the website, giving you a flavour before your visit.
Check out Denise's home baked Cornish Pasties at the Croft House Bakery, and clock that Wordsworth Gingerbread, fantastic! Check out the Wordsworth pub, Wordsworth Bitter, Wordsworth this, ohh and the Wordsworth that!
