In the fast-paced and hectic world we live in, everyone needs a place to unwind – and the UK has countless spots to do just that.
Away from the hustle and bustle of its major cities lies plenty of countryside retreats, lakeside villages and charming towns where you can relax and recharge.
According to a new list put together by WorldAtlas, Ambleside in the Lake District is one of the most laid-back towns in the UK, alongside six other ‘charming’ destinations: Rye, East Sussex; Marlow, Buckinghamshire; Wallingford, Oxfordshire; Henley-On-Thames; Broadway, Worcestershire, and Totnes in Devon.
Nestled at the northern end of Lake Windermere, the picturesque town is known for its beautiful scenery and rich literary history, with a strong connection to poet William Wandsworth (who resided in the nearby Dove Cottage) and Beatrix Potter, (who spent many childhood holidays in the Lake District).
WorldAtlas wrote: ‘In Ambleside, life revolves around the shimmering waters of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. This town’s cottages, quaint shops and waterfront cafes make it perfect for walkers and nature lovers.’
The village of Ambleside is small, and you could walk through it in half a morning, but there’s still plenty to see and do.
Perhaps its most famous attraction is the nearby National Trust Hill Top Beatrix Potter House, a 17th-century farmhouse purchased by the children’s author in 1905. The house, just a short drive from Ambleside was used as inspiration for many of her famous stories.
Visitors have described the house as having a ‘magical feeling’ on Tripadvisor. ‘Peter Z’ wrote: ‘A beautiful shrine to Beatrix Potter. Very authentic, left entirely as it was when she lived there.’
‘David Rostron’ added: ‘Lovely little cottage and gardens. You can truly see where Beatrix’s inspiration came from.
The village is also home to several other attractions, including the Armitt Museum, a museum and gallery which has an area dedicated to Beatrix Potter.
For nature lovers, the village is in prime position for several walks, such as the trail to Stock Ghyll Force, a 70ft waterfall just outside the village.
Waterhead Pier, the Windermere ferry terminal, is just a short walk from its centre. Here, visitors can take a cruise along the lake or browse the area’s offerings of shops and pubs.
There’s also an independent cinema named Zeffirellis, which has an authentic pizzeria attached and a ‘relaxed’ jazz cafe for live music.
Ambleside is popular with tourists, with many visitors preferring it over Windermere, the more famous destination of the Lake District.
Reddit users flooded the village with praise on a Lake District forum titled ‘Ambleside or Windermere’.
‘Ambleside all day long,’ wrote R0gu3tr4d3r, while Neat_Significance256 added: ‘Couldn’t agree more.’
Another, Few-Sector7478, wrote: ‘Ambleside is superb. Windermere has more bars and a general eatery. Ambleside for me is more quintessential Lakeland.’
However, over on Mumsnet, there was a difference of opinion. User Lemonmeringuepiesss posted: ‘We love Windermere and Ambleside. Would these be good places to live with a five-year-old? Maybe too touristy?’
Nipervest responded: ‘The area as a whole can feel a bit isolated for youngsters, not much around job-wise unless it’s the hospitality industry. Lovely scenery though.’
Another user, Rednaxela, who claimed they grew up in the area, added: ‘Transport links are non existent… It’s rough as f***! You’re setting yourself up for trouble imo [in my opinion]. Much better to visit as a tourist.
‘Look at areas of natural beauty that are near actual population centres, motorways and main railways.’
The nearest train station to Ambleside is Windermere, which is four miles away. And there are plenty of local taxi services to take you to your destination from the station.
Travelling from London Euston to Windermere will take around three hours and 20 minutes, with a change at Oxenholme Lake District. Tickets are available to book on Trainline with prices starting at £44.
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For those hoping to drive, the travel time is longer, taking around five hours via the M40 and M6 routes. But it can be handy to take a car given the aforementioned lack of public transport.
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