Retirement Properties Spotlight in Ambleside

Ambleside : Ambleside is a market town about 11 miles north-west of Kendal and is thought to derive its name from 'Shieling or summer pasture by the river sandbank'. The town lies just to the north of Lake Windermere and is one of the principal tourist centres of the Lake District. William Wordsworth once worked in the town. Its most famous building is the tiny Bridge House built in the 17th century as a folly for the grounds of nearby Ambleside Hall.

Windermere is the largest of England's lakes and traditional steamers still ply the waters. Most lake cruises leave from Bowness, a small town on the north-east coast with boats for hire. Orrest Head is a viewpoint to the east. The historic church of St Martin has 15th century stained glass in its east window and a rare equestrian statue of St Martin.

Belle Isle in the middle of the Lake is now wooded and it is difficult to see the famous round house by John Plaw built in the 18th century. Other large houses are dotted along the shoreline taking advantage of the views and setting. Sir Henry Segrave lost his life on Windermere whilst breaking the speedboat record in 1930.