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Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside
Family fun and adventure in the heart of the English Lake District
near Windermere, Cumbria
Opening times for 21 May 2025
Asset Opening time Windermere and Ambleside (countryside) Dawn - Dusk Bridge House Closed Stagshaw Gardens Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS282930123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311OpenPartially openClosed- Car park
Small car park at Stagshaw Garden with room for 8 cars
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome; due to animals grazing please keep your dog on a lead and take any mess home with you
- Toilet
For Ambleside Roman Fort and Stagshaw Gardens there are toilets at Waterhead car park (non-NT). For Cockshott point there are toilets at Glebe car park (non-NT). For Post Knott and Bridge House there are various town centre toilets. Toilets also at Millerground car park (non-NT)
Small car park at Stagshaw Garden. Toilets at Waterhead car park (not National Trust) and Millerground car park (not National Trust). Dogs on leads welcome.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Grounds - terrain is varied across the property Much of Stagshaw Garden & Skelghyll Woods are steep and rugged with some steps
- By road
Junction 36 on M6. The A591 is the busiest tourist driving route right though the heart of the Lake District, where you can access carparks near Stagshaw Garden and Skelghyll Woods, Bridge House and Ambleside Roman Fort.
Parking: small NT car park at Stagshaw Garden. Several car parks in Ambleside and Waterhead, not National Trust (charge including members).
Sat Nav: For Stagshaw Garden & Skelghyll Wood use: LA22 0HE. For Ambleside Roman Fort use: LA22 0ES. For Bridge House use: LA22 9AY. Then follow On Foot directions.
- On foot
For Ambleside Roman Fort turn right out of Waterhead car park and cross over the road. With the lake on your left follow the path through Borrans Park until you reach the gate for Ambleside Roman Fort. For Bridge House turn right out of Rydal Road car park, Bridge House is situated on the right, just a very short walk along the pavement.
- By train
Kendal train station is 8 miles away from Windermere. The West Coast Main Line connects with the Oxenholme to Windermere line, which has regular services throughout the year. There are bus connections from Windermere Station to all locations in the valley.
- By bus
Regular Stagecoach bus connections from Windermere Station to locations throughout the valley. 555 or 599 to Waterhead, followed by a very short walk along footpaths to Ambleside Roman Fort or Stagshaw Garden. For Bridge House alight at Ambleside bus station.
- Cycling
The Sustrans National Cycle Network has a proposed route from Windermere Station along the A591 to Ambleside. A cycle lane runs along this section to Stagshaw, Bridge House and Ambleside Roman Fort, but please be aware that some sections run along the main road.
- By ferry
In the main tourist season, regular boat trips leave Bowness Pier Waterhead jetties, where Stagshaw and Ambleside Roman Fort are within easy walking distance. For Bridge House catch the Bowness to Waterhead boat, then walk 1 mile (1.6km) to the house. For more information go to Windermere Lake Cruises
Highlights
Ambleside
With fells, woodland, parks, Bridge House and a Roman fort, this Lake District town is great for families.
Stagshaw Garden
An informal woodland garden offering a haven of tranquillity, with rambling paths, shrubs, trees and plants to discover.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Remains of a Roman fort in Ambleside that dates back to the 1st century.
Bridge House
Quaint 17th-century building perched over the river in Ambleside. One of the Lake District’s most famous buildings, Bridge House attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Skelghyll Woods
Skelghyll woods is home to some of the tallest trees in England with views over Windermere from Jenkyn’s Crag. See England's tallest Grand Fir, measured in September 2024.
Things to see and do
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Things to do in Ambleside
Make the most of the lakeshore paths next to Windermere, lofty peaks and ancient woodlands in Ambleside with these recommended walks. Step back in time at the Roman fort and 17th-century Bridge House.
Top trails
Trail
Ambleside Champion Tree Trail
Wander among some of England's tallest trees on this easy waymarked trail through Skelghyll Woods. With benches along the way, it's the perfect route for a picnic.
Trail
Post Knott, Windermere views walk
Enjoy a relaxing walk that meanders through the central fells of the Lake District and offers impressive views of Windermere, along with a choice of picnic sites and resting places
Trail
Explore from Waterhead walk
A short walk from Waterhead will bring you to Skelghyll Woods and Jenkins Field where you can explore woodlands, trees and paddle in Windermere.
Places to stay
The Summer House
A cosy house in the old kitchen garden of Wray Castle with views of stunning scenery all around.
Low Wray Campsite
By Windermere, England’s largest lake, surrounded by things to do and places to visit.
Silverthwaite
An inspiring spot looking out over Langdale Valley with Arts and Crafts influenced detail inside.
Trees
A 1930s log and stone cabin high above Lake Windermere with a sun terrace and great views.
Rose Castle Cottage
A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.
Great Langdale Campsite
In the dramatic Langdale valley, a natural playground of trails, summits, waterfalls and small lakes, all accessible on foot.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside
Sitting on the northern tip of Lake Windermere, the town of Ambleside is surrounded by countryside. With fells, woodland, parks, the quirky little Bridge House and a Roman fort on offer, this part of the Lake District is great for families looking for fun in the great outdoors. In spring, Stagshaw Garden bursts into life, with colourful displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. Skelghyll Woods are home to Cumbria’s tallest trees, and Jenkyn’s Field is great for a short lakeshore stroll or picnic. The lake itself is ripe for exploration, it has no fewer than 18 islands and is home to the Lake District’s largest population of Goldeneye Ducks.
History
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Discover history at Ambleside
Find out more about the history of Ambleside Roman Fort, Dora’s Field and the 17th-century Bridge House.
Our work
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Our work at Ambleside Roman Fort
Ambleside Roman Fort was built almost 2,000 years ago on Lake Windermere's shore when Cumbria was a land of mountainous warfare. Find out how we're protecting its important remains.
Support us
Activity
Help Out Days in central Lake District
Join our Help Out Days in the Lake District and make a positive impact on nature. Led by National Trust rangers and gardeners, learn new skills and get outside.
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside.