Ambleside holds such an idylic place in my heart as it is somewhere i used to visit yearly with my late parents.

We would stay in a most fantastic hotel (which i believe still exists) called the Kirkstone Country Foot Country House Hotels and it was this hotel that was instrunmental in developing my love of a good dining experience.

Evening meals were a true gastranomic experience of 6 courses of the most amazing, locally sourced food acompanied by superb wines and followed always by cheese, biscuits and port. This was always the highlight for me as we would take our time dressing for dinner and it was such an experience!

I remember vividly the beautiful surroundings afforded by Ambleside... one walk from the hotel led through beautiful woodland along a stream that culminated in an amazingly beautiful waterfull that would take my breath away every time I saw it... there was something truly magical about it.

Other walks would lead us by lakes, to the most wonderful shops and lovely 'walkers' pubs to grab a drink and a sandwhich after a long amble... truly idylic!

It may sound as though I am waxing lyrical and that my review is over romanticised and perhaps it is... it is based on a truly idyllic time in my life... but to me Ambleside will always hold a place very dear to my heart