Situated in the heart of Ambleside, its impossible to miss this famous brand of outdoor shop, as…read moreits located at the Market Cross on the A591 the main artery of this Cumbrian town. Im no seasoned hill walker, but my parents are life longer users of Rohan gear, now into their 60's they still swear by Rohan clothes and accessories and thats as good an endorsement as it gets for me. Whether they are going for a leisurely walk around Windemere or trekking the Austrian Alps (thats later this year), I know the bulk of their packing will feature Rohan brands. A decent sized shop, within a 5 minute walk from the main car park in Ambleside with very friendly and knowledgable staff. If you need help on whether you need a neckgaitor or scarf, or which base layer would be most appropriate for hiking up Scarfell Pike, then definitely stop off here first!

Super cute store! I love how the owner merchandised all the unique and nostalgic products so…read morenicely, she must have a great sense of style! If you are into chabby chic and retro French graphics, you will enjoy this store. You can find a lot of witty beautifully designed cards, hand painted wooden signage, personalized gifts, etc.

I love Fat Face, but sadly this is a very small branch with a limited selection of their range.read more

A lovely little surprise of a place in the heart of Ambleside. It makes a welcome change from shop…read moreafter shop of walking gear, Beatrix Potter souvenirs and other tourist shops. There are 2 floors full to the gunnels of all kinds of products from great British designers as well as some other cool Europeans ones too. All modern, funky little unique designs from the Sedburgh Soap company Bud Duck, the Big Tomato Company, Suck Uk who produce the most adorable Salt and Pepper Bots and quirky stationary products from Takkoda, to name just a few. Some of my favourite finds in the store were the cookie stamps, adorable magnets in the shape of sparrows and Babbushkups, a trio of Russian Doll inspired glasses.

I love this store... mostly because they have such an assortment of items that I can find something…read morefor everyone I am shopping for... and myself of course. I particularly love the journals/books. Last time I purchased a Listography journal, this time I purchased a journal that gives you hundreds of topics to write about. Not just any kind of topic, but things like: Write a love letter to a person you dislike, What would you buy from the SkyMall catalogue and why?, or write a ransom note. More stuff to keep me from actually being productive! I also purchased a humorous Mother's Day card (my mom is American, but I feel the need to send her a card on British Mothering Day as well... lucky she is, two Mother's Days in one year) and a coffee mug for myself that says 'BLIMEY' and on the back it explains that it is an exclamation of surprise. Better than any tacky tourist souvenir shop. Of course there were a lot of things that I did not purchase, otherwise I would not have been able to have a very luxurious lunch... and dinner, but it is hard to narrow it all down. For example, the 'Poo Log' and the 'What My Poo Tells Me" books would be fantastic purchases for people like my brother, but completely unnecessary. If you are looking for others, souvenirs, or just something for yourself... bypass everything else and stop here!

I'm not much of an outdoorsy person, but for some reason when I am in the Lake District, I feel the…read moreneed to become one, mostly by wearing and purchasing outdoorsy clothing. My clothing store of choice is Tog 24. While the store in Bowness is larger, I do find the staff at the store in Ambleside more friendly and helpful. I also find a lot of the things I need, I'm not talking professional grade stuff, just some things to add to make sure that while I'm being outdoorsy that I am properly equipped for reasonable prices. In fact, sometimes I find myself buying things I don't really need, but just because the prices is pretty good. Not to mention I do like the colours and patterns of the clothes they do offer. I know it is about function and not fashion, but you can't completely take the city out of the girl.

Having visited Ambleside in July we were delighted to stumble across this fantastic traditional…read moreshoe shop when looking for some suitable walking footwear. The staff went to great pains in advising us of the most appropriate boots for our fell walking experience as well as fitting them. Further more, they advised on the care & ever gave the proofing as a free extra. It is wonderful to know that 'proper' shoe shops still exist. I have since ordered a pair of sandals from them online & was delighted to receive the parcel the following day beautifully wrapped in traditional brown paper tied with string. The quality of this shop from the products to the service is without question. Definately; a destination shop!