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Rowan at Kirkstone Foot is situated in central Ambleside, a delightful Cumbrian village in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Kirkstone Foot enjoys 2 acres of private grounds that lead up the edge of Stock Ghyll, a tributary of the River Rothay which tumbles down through a series of waterfalls to the centre of Ambleside, passing under the famous Bridge House.

There is so much to see and do right from Rowan’s doorstep.

Tourist Information

As you walk down Peggy Hill into Ambleside the Tourist Information/Post Office/Gift Shop (The Crux) is near the stone Roman Cross, on the corner of North Road and Rydal Road. Staff are very knowledgeable and happy to offer suggestions on local attractions as well as sightseeing trips, lake activities and where to eat and drink.

Village Attractions

Famous Bridge House

Built in 1723 over Stock Beck, this is one of the smallest houses in Britain. It is now open for visitors between Easter and October by the National Trust.

Ambleside Museum ‘The Armitt’

Home to many Beatrix Potter artefacts.

Stock Ghyll Force

This beautiful waterfall is only a short walk away but a must for all first time visitors.

Fort Galava

A Roman fort built around AD 120. Its remains can still be seen in Borran’s Field, Waterhead.

Waterhead & Lakeside Pier

Sit and admire the spectacular views across Windermere and the
fells or hop on a steamer for a leisurely boat ride.

The Old Courthouse Gallery

Hosts a selection of arts and crafts from Cumbria.

Rock Shop

Crystals, minerals and fossils.

Stagshaw Garden National Trust Gardens

Only 15 mins walk away.

Rydal Mount and Gardens

The home of William Wordsworth for about 40 years. 2 miles away.

Rydal Caves

A gentle walk from Ambleside – across the park and over the pack bridge. Then follow the signs for Rydal/Grasmere on the way, passing the famous stepping stones.

Village Shops & Amenities

There are an abundance of shops catering for walkers including a good range of retail outlets, craft shops, bars, cafes and galleries.

  • Post Office & Tourist Information Centre
  • Local Spar, Tesco and Co-op stores
  • Famous Apple Pie Shop & Cafe
  • Boots Chemist
  • Independent Cinema
  • Vegetarian Restaurant – Zefirellis
  • White Platts Recreation Ground – with a bowling green and other activities such as crazy golf and tennis
  • Hayes Garden World Centre (15 mins walk)
  • Library
  • Bus Interchange

Bus Service

Download the most up to date bus timetable [link?] or collect a paper copy from the Tourist Information Centre if you’re planning on exploring beyond Ambleside.

Bus Travel Times

  • Windermere – 11 mins
  • Grasmere – 15 mins
  • Elterwater – 17 mins
  • Hawkshead – 24 mins

Further afield

If you have a little more time…

  • Coniston – 38 mins
  • Keswick – 46 mins

Eating Out

Ambleside is bursting with traditional pubs, tea shops and award winning restaurants – all just a short stroll from Rowan.

Some of our favourites include

  • Lucy’s on a Plate
  • Matthews Bistro
  • The Flying Fleece
  • The Ambleside Tavern
  • Waterhead Inn

The Golden Rule

A Grade II listed traditional pub offering a selection of cask beers, lagers and fine wines.

Zeffirellis

A vegetarian restaurant also hosts a jazz bar and independent cinema.

The Apple Pie Shop

Always a popular place to eat or to simply buy some tasty treats from their shop.

The Badger

A little bit further a field (5 mins drive) at Rydal is The Badger bar serving home cooked bar food and drinks. In the evenings you can watch the badgers being fed by bar staff.