In the centre of Ambleside the quaint little Bridge House, built over the River Rothay like something out of a fairy tale, dates from the seventeenth century. It was probably a summerhouse for Ambleside Hall though in 1843 Chairy Rigg lived here with his wife and 6 children. But with one room up, and one down, how they all fitted in is a mystery. An attractive subject for any artist who can brave the inquisitive passers by, it was painted by JMW Turner on one of his northern tours. In 1926 it was bought by the National Trust and in 1956 became its very first information and recruiting centre in the country. Open daily.