Local information
The cottage (with blue mini parked opposite) seen from the hill behind.
From Banks Cottage it is possible to tackle all the great walks in the Lake District. Classic peaks such as Helvellyn, Conniston Old Man and Sca Fell Pike are a short drive away, whereas to get to the Langdale Pikes, it’s simply a question of walking up the back behind the cottage, along the top for a few miles and then you’re there. Easier to write than it is to do!
The Co-op in the village (3 minutes’ walk from the cottage) sells almost everything, from firewood to delicious Cumberland sausages.
Ambleside probably has more outdoor clothing shops per square foot than anywhere in the world, but it also has a good range of general shops including a supermarkets, banks, a Boots, two butchers and a delicatessen. We have yet to find anything (within reason) that the ironmonger doesn’t stock. The greengrocer has started to do a good organic range.
The Wainwright’s Arms in the village is a five minute walk from the cottage and the Britannia at Elterwater is a lovely 15 minute walk along the other side of the Langdale Beck. (Cross the bridge just below the Wainwrights, turn left and walk down to Elterwater.)
Ambleside and Grasmere have lots of great restaurants - the exercise book in the cottage has people’s recommendations.
The Langdale Hotel (on your left as you come in to the village) has a pool and spa. You can get a day membership and they do beauty treatments. Zefferelli’s cinema in Ambleside shows the latest releases.
The cottage is ideally situated for countless wonderful walks without needing a car, from an amble to Skelwith Force to a challenging hike taking in both Langdale Pikes.
The beautiful Langdale Pikes are in walking distance (well, hiking distance) from the cottage.
Dove Cottage and the fascinating Wordsworth museum are a short drive or a beautiful hour’s walk away in Grasmere.
At Bowness in Windermere (known as Rio in the Arthur Ransome books) there is sailing, water skiing and wind surfing.
Grizedale Forest is great for cycling (you can hire bikes there) and has interesting walks and exhibitions.
The guides in the cottage have more details, and many ideas of things to do.
Step out of the door into the great outdoors!