Britain’s ‘prettiest place to live’ has proper pubs and beautiful view | UK

Publicity shot of a street in Ambleside in the Lake District, in Cumbria

This charming town has been named the ‘prettiest place to live in Britain’ (Image: Liverpool ECHO)

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

The prettiest place to live in Britain has been named, and it’s well worth visiting, with its traditional pubs and lakeside location.

The landscapes that make up Great Britain are certainly noteworthy, from rolling hills in the countryside, rugged mountains, winding valleys, majestic lakes, and sweeping golden coastlines. That’s alongside historic towns with cobbled lanes, vibrant cities with modern architecture and picture-postcard villages with stone cottages.

With such a diverse catalogue of scenes across the nation, it can be hard to pinpoint one British destination that stands out from the rest. However, there’s one town that has taken the top spot as the very best, thanks to its picturesque lakeside location and collection of independent businesses.

Bridge House, Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England

Ambleside is known for its ancient Bridge House and Windermere Lake location (Image: Getty Images)

The small town of Ambleside, nestled in Cumbria at the heart of the Lake District National Park, has been named the ‘prettiest place to live in Britain’ by estate and lettings agents Aston & Co. The study highlighted its striking position on the northern end of the famous Windermere Lake, England’s largest natural lake, along with its plethora of offerings.

Its location on Windermere Lake is undoubtedly a major draw for the town and certainly accounts for its title, but the charming town is just as exceptional as its breathtaking landscapes. “Ambleside is a bustling town of outdoor equipment shops, bookshops, gift shops, cafes, restaurants and a cinema”, the Lake District tourism board said.

They further noted that Ambleside “is one of the most popular towns in the Lake District” and is a great starting point for avid ramblers to begin some of the most well-known fell walks. The tourism board said: “Waterhead sits one mile to the south of Ambleside, and from here you can hop on the ferry, hire a boat, launch your kayak, park your car or enjoy one of the many cafes and bars.”

Lake Windermere in Ambleside

Ambleside is in the heart of the Lake District National Park (Image: Getty Images)

One of the town’s most distinctive features is the fairy tale, 17th-century Bridge House, which straddles the Stock Beck and is one of the most photographed buildings in the region. It was built by the Braithwaite family as a two-storey structure, and over the years it’s thought to have been used as an apple store, tea room, weaving shop and a home for a family of eight!

Noting it as a ‘quaint house’, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “The Bridge House is a must-see when in Ambleside. We just walked over to it and took photos, but we had to see it for ourselves after seeing art and photos of it so often while in the Lake District.”

Another shared: “Beautiful old building from the 17th Century that is fascinating to see and very picturesque for photographs. Come early if you want good photos, as it gets busy. There is a nice cafe/pub behind it that is nice to sit in on a warm day.”

The town of Ambleside is packed with traditional pubs that offer that sought-after refreshment after a long walk. The Golden Rule is considered a local gem, while there’s The Flying Fleece nestled along the river, but a stop by The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery shouldn’t be missed, or a chance to explore its array of thriving shops.

Rowing boats lined up in rows along the shores of Ambleside in Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria. W