Ambleside Named Prettiest Town in Britain Full of Independent Shops

The 20 prettiest places to live in Britain have been named, with a small town in the Lake District taking the top spot. Ambleside in Cumbria has been crowned the prettiest place to live in Britain, according to estate and letting agent Aston & Co.

Ambleside: A Fairy-Tale Town

Ambleside is a beautiful maze of grey slate buildings, charming pubs, and independent shops. Its most famous landmark is Bridge House, a tiny, 17th-century slate house built over Stock Ghyll, a rushing stream that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Bridge House is possibly the most photographed building in the Lake District.

Aston & Co wrote: "The Lake District is undeniably beautiful and Ambleside is one of the prettiest towns in the national park. Overlooking famous Lake Windermere, the town is full of Lakeland stone houses and charming cafes, shops and restaurants."

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Independent Businesses and Natural Beauty

Located among fells and near the northern shores of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is surrounded by mountains, woodlands, and picturesque valleys. The town boasts an incredible selection of independent businesses, from traditional bakeries and delicatessens to unique boutiques and galleries.

Some of the independent spots include the Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery, Force Cafe & Terrace, Copper Pot, RockShop, and Herby Jacks. Just a short walk from the center of town is Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall tumbling through a wooded ravine. In spring, the surrounding woods are blanketed in wild daffodils and bluebells.

Several trails lead directly from the town into the surrounding fells, including routes to Loughrigg Fell and Wansfell Pike, offering panoramic views across the Lake District.