For many years Ambleside was the only place that catered for vegans in the Lake District. Keswick is doing its best to catch up, but Ambleside is still the most vegan-friendly, in our opinion.

Highlights are Gandhi’s Cafe and the Apple Pie Cafe for vegan lunches, Fellinis and Zeffirellis for evening meals, Esquires Coffee or Stiles if you just want a hot drink with plant milk.

Ambleside is situated at the heart of the Lake District, at the top of Lake Windermere. It’s an ideal base for a holiday as you’re right in the middle of the mountainous region of the area with easy driving access to many other main areas – Windermere and Bowness, Langdale, Rydal and Grasmere, a good road up to Keswick, the Kirkstone Pass through to Ullswater and if you’re feeling brave the Wrynose and Hardknot passes over to Wastwater.

There are innumerable good walks (or runs) starting from Ambleside. Loughrigg is a very manageable fell for beginners or those wanting an easier outing. The walk to Troutbeck is also picturesque without too much elevation. A trip to the local Tourist Information office will provide many more ideas for those wanting greater challenges.