Ambleside
The Armitt Museum and Library
Ambleside Short Breaks | Lake District
The Armitt: 20th Century Museum Featuring The Victorian Era
The Armitt Museum and Library were founded in the 20th century. Now the Armitt has a museum, a library and a gallery, and features collections donated by the descendants and friends of the great and famous residents of the Lake District who make the Lake District such an important treasure trove of the English heritage.
Why Visit the Armitt Museum and Library?
I can think of a number of reasons to choose the Armitt Museum for your short break visit in the Lake District.
The English Heritage
At least three great and famous names feature in the Armitt collections.
Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter, the creator of the iconic Peter The Rabbit and the authoress of many great books for children, is loved and cherished in the Lake District. She donated to the Armitt Library her family books, personal editions of her own books, and her watercolours.
John Ruskin
The Armitt Library has a section dedicated to John Ruskin and among other precious exhibits you will find there the unique and very special private letters made public only at the end of the 20th century. These letters shed much new light on the character of John Ruskin and on the particularly notable events of his life. The Whistler trial and John Ruskin's drug addiction are among these events.
The history has it that at some point in his life John Ruskin was granted the title of Slade Professor of Fine Art at the Oxford University, and he held this title up until the outcome of the Whistler trial. As a lawyer, I found the account of the Whistler trial quite fascinating so I summarise it here.
The history has it that at some point in his life John Ruskin was granted the title of Slade Professor of Fine Art at the Oxford University, and he held this title up until the outcome of the Whistler trial. As a lawyer, I found the account of the Whistler trial quite fascinating so I summarise it here.
The Whistler Trial
Whistler was an impressionist artist and a contemporary of John Ruskin. Once John Ruskin saw Whistler's painting of fireworks. He disliked the painting and made some ill-judged comments in public about it. Whistler sued Ruskin for damages. Ruskin did not fancy at all the idea of confronting Whistler at the trial, and to justify his absence from the trial he repeatedly sought certificates from his personal doctor. The correspondence of Ruskin with his doctor suggests that Ruskin had symptoms of drug addiction.
Eventually Whistler won the trial, and the court awarded him a farthing in damages.
The public of those days reportedly found this trial entertaining and amusing. But for Ruskin it had a sad impact on his career as a professor at Oxford - following his defeat in this trial Ruskin surrendered his title.
Kurt Schwitters
Kurt Schwitters was a Germany-born artist who lived his later life in the Lake District. He is known for his influence on the 20th century art in many genres such as dadaism, constructivism, surrealism, poetry, sound, painting, sculpture, and graphic design. One of the England's most important collections of Schwitters' works is found in the Armitt Library.
An Enjoyable Day's Trip
The Armitt is an educational and memorable place to visit and is sure to make your short break or a weekend in Ambleside truly enjoyable.
How to Get to the Armitt Museum and Library?
The Armitt is located on Rydal road in Ambleside.
If you drive, there is a good pay and display parking opposite the Armitt.
You can also get to The Armitt by Bus 555 from other towns and villages of the Lake District. The bus stop for The Armitt is Ambleside Health Centre, 2 minutes walk from The Armitt.
The Armitt: Where to Stay
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Red Lion Inn
This lovely 15th century traditional inn is the oldest pub in England and is located on the main street of Hawkshead. The inn offers everything a traveller can expect - from the comfortable accmmodation to the superbly kept cask ales and home cooked food
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Yewfield Vegetarian Guesthouse
A vegetarian? Yewfield Vegetarian Guesthouse is an award winning rural B&B; offering special diet menu, great hiking opportunities, and excellent comfort...
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The Kings Arms Hotel
A warm welcome awaits you and your dog at The Kings Arms Hotel. Located in the village square, this traditional B&B; has greeted visitors since Elizabethan times with real ales, good food, and comfy beds
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Sun Inn Hotel
Sun Inn Hotel is a charming and cosy 17th century inn located in the main street of Hawkshead and prides itself for being an ideal place to stay
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The Hive
Nestled in the quaint village, The Hive Hotel offers the boutique comforts for your short break in the Lakeland
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Ivy Guesthouse
Ivy Guesthouse is located on the Main Street of the village and prides itself for offering romantic accommodation and ideal location within walking distance of the landmarks
The Armitt: Other Places to Visit Nearby
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The Chocolate Factory
Love chocolate? Look for this prominent cow on the main street of the village - the true chocoholic paradise awaits you here !
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St Michael and All Angels Church
St Michael and All Angels Church is a historic monument within a short walk from the main street of the village.
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Grammar School
Located on the main street of the village, the Grammar School is where WIlliam Wordsworth studied and is now a museum
Ambleside is one of the most vibrant small towns in the Lake District National Park. Nestled on the northern shores of Windermere, Ambleside combines traditional Cumbrian charm with easy access to the lakes, fells, and heritage attractions. Whether you are drawn to the natural beauty of the lakes in the Lake District or the cultural treasures of its museums and castles, Ambleside makes an ideal base for a short break or a weekend getaway.
The Armitt Museum and Library
The Armitt Museum and Library is one of Ambleside’s cultural highlights and a must-visit attraction during your Lake District short break. Founded in the early 20th century, the Armitt is both a museum and a library, with a gallery that houses collections donated by descendants and friends of some of the Lake District’s most famous residents. Together, these collections make the Armitt a treasure trove of English heritage and a fascinating place to spend a morning or afternoon.
Why Visit the Armitt Museum and Library?
The Armitt offers an insight into the lives of the cultural figures who helped shape the identity of the Lake District. A visit to the museum reveals how the Lake District has inspired generations of writers, artists, and thinkers. Here are three reasons why the Armitt should be on your itinerary:
Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter, the much-loved creator of Peter Rabbit, has a strong connection with the Lake District. At the Armitt, you will find her family books, personal editions of her own works, and a collection of her watercolours. Beatrix Potter not only lived in the Lake District but also donated much of her land to the National Trust, ensuring that large parts of the Lake District National Park remain protected for future generations.
John Ruskin
The Armitt also features a section devoted to John Ruskin, the Victorian art critic and social thinker. Among the highlights are private letters made public only in the late 20th century, which provide fresh insights into Ruskin’s character and his personal struggles. The museum recounts his role as Slade Professor of Fine Art at Oxford University and his involvement in the famous Whistler trial. Ruskin’s criticism of the impressionist artist James Whistler led to a libel case, during which Ruskin’s health and dependence on medication came under scrutiny. Although Whistler won only a token amount of damages, the case effectively ended Ruskin’s academic career. This fascinating story is one of the reasons why the Armitt is so compelling.
Kurt Schwitters
The third major figure represented in the Armitt is Kurt Schwitters, a German-born artist who spent his final years in the Lake District. Schwitters was a pioneer of 20th-century art, known for his work in dadaism, constructivism, surrealism, poetry, sound, and collage. The Armitt houses one of the most significant collections of Schwitters’ work in England, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in modern art.
Practical Information
The Armitt is located on Rydal Road in Ambleside. If you are travelling by car, there is convenient pay-and-display parking opposite the museum. The site is also easily accessible by bus: take the 555 and get off at Ambleside Health Centre, just a two-minute walk away. Visiting the Armitt adds depth and richness to your Ambleside short break, combining culture, history, and art in one memorable stop.
Wray Castle
Another must-see attraction during your stay in Ambleside is Wray Castle. Overlooking Windermere, Wray Castle combines gothic architecture with fascinating history and beautiful grounds. It is one of the gems of the English heritage sites preserved by the National Trust. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with children, Wray Castle offers something for everyone.
History of Wray Castle
Wray Castle was built in the mid-19th century by a wealthy surgeon from Liverpool who used his wife’s inheritance to commission the construction. Ironically, his wife disliked the property and refused to live there, so it was rented out. In the early 20th century, the castle was transferred to the National Trust, which has since maintained it as part of the Lake District’s cultural heritage. Visitors today can explore both the castle itself and its surrounding grounds, which include scenic gardens and woodland trails.
Beatrix Potter and Wray Castle
Beatrix Potter also has a connection to Wray Castle. As a teenager, she spent family holidays here when her parents rented the property. Although she never owned the castle, she later purchased land nearby. The castle and its surroundings left a lasting impression on her, contributing to her deep attachment to the Lake District.
Scenic Grounds and Gardens
Wray Castle’s grounds are an attraction in their own right. The gardens feature a wide range of trees, including wellingtonia, redwood, gingko, beech, and mulberry. The location offers views across Windermere, making it a perfect place for picnics, family outings, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the Lake District National Park.
How to Get to Wray Castle
Wray Castle is accessible by car, foot, bus, or even boat. If you are driving, follow the B5286 and turn onto Wray Castle Road for the final mile. The 505 bus also stops at the end of Wray Castle Road, from which it is a short walk to the grounds. For walkers, the same route makes for a pleasant stroll. And if you enjoy something a little more atmospheric, you can take the gothic shuttle boat from Waterhead Pier in Ambleside directly to Wray Castle’s jetty.
Ambleside FAQs
Where is Ambleside?
Ambleside is located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, within the Lake District National Park. It is a popular base for exploring the lakes, fells, and cultural attractions of the Lake District.
What is the weather like in Ambleside?
Like much of the Lake District, Ambleside has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall throughout the year. Rain showers are common, especially in autumn and winter, so it is always wise to bring waterproof clothing when visiting.
Which train station for Ambleside?
The nearest train station to Ambleside is Windermere. From Windermere, regular buses and taxis run the short 4-mile journey into Ambleside. Travellers from London and other major cities can connect via Oxenholme Lake District station, which lies on the West Coast Main Line.
How far is Ambleside from London?
Ambleside is approximately 280 miles (450 km) from London. By train, the journey from London Euston to Windermere takes around 3.5 to 4 hours with a change at Oxenholme or Manchester. Driving typically takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic.