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At the northern end of Windermere is the popular market town of Ambleside, perfectly located in the heart of the national park. Surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells, Ambleside’s roots are in the medieval woollen trade, but the town you see today is primarily Victorian, built of traditional grey slate.
With easy access to Grasmere, Keswick, Windermere and an unrivalled range of water sports, walks, climbs, cycling and much more, Ambleside is very popular with both leisure visitors wanting a relaxing break and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenge. There are also some fabulous restaurants, cafés and pubs to satisfy the discerning palette and numerous award-winning ales to quench your thirst. Ambleside’s specialist shops offer a welcome variation on high street chains. There is no shortage of outdoor clothing specialists waiting to kit you out in the latest gear for any activity, from walking to windsurfing.
Described by purists as ‘the true Lake District’, Ambleside is a walkers’ paradise. Plenty of routes begin from near the Waterhead Pier, so why not grab a copy of Windermere Lake Cruises’ handy walkers leaflet – or even better, buy a copy of ‘Walks Around Windermere’ from the attraction’s team – a labour of love by local man, the late Jim Fleming.
Waterhead Pier is less than a mile from Ambleside’s town centre, being just a pleasant stroll or electric shuttle bus ride away.
The Armitt Museum art gallery and reference library gives you the chance to explore the history of life and arts of the Lakes. In addition, there’s also an exhibition about the life of Kurt Schwitters and of course, lots to learn about Beatrix Potter. There’s also information on the nearby remains of a Roman site, which is free to explore.
Zeffirellis is Ambleside’s famous independent cinema, offering viewings of films made by new and emerging talents, while Fellinis shows art-house and independent films, as well as holding performances. There’s also The Old Courthouse Gallery which showcases the best arts and crafts on offer in the Lakes.
For some quality outdoor time, check out Rydal Mount and Gardens. The home of William Wordsworth for nearly 40 years, this house inspired many of his poems – and tweaks to existing works including his world-famous 'Daffodils'.
After exploring Ambleside, make use of the Langdale Rambler bus service between March 25 and November 3 to visit other surrounding towns and villages before heading back to Ambleside.
Before getting back on a Steamer, you can also have a go in a self-drive power boat or rowing boat. Just ask the team on the lake shore!
Chic British dining in the local restaurants using locally sourced produce, to quirky off the beaten track cafes,
are just some of the delicious treats Ambleside has in store for you.
Wild food has become very ’now’ and no more so than in Ambleside,
where there’s ingredients from shore sourced seaweed to forest-picked mushrooms.
Impeccable Cumbrian provenance is readily available here, from Herdwick lamb to speciality sausage and Windermere Char (local fish). But it’s not all Cumberland sausage here, there’s also a sophisticated range of vegetarian restaurants and cafes in Ambleside.
There’s everything here from the finest of dining in the many top-quality hotels and restaurants, to quirky bistros in cellars, to going continental with Italian restaurants, or even contemporary Thai.
Bustling cafes with fabulous menus bring a dazzle to the centre of town, offering light lunches and tapas, or morning coffee with freshly baked pastries and cakes. No visit would be complete, without a visit to one of the town’s traditional pubs, or a little way out of town to Lakeland’s highest pub, offering soaring views.
Try one of the many Craft beers for that post-hike lift, or while away an evening sampling locally casked ales or a glass of wine, listening to a gig or one of the many other musical entertainments going on in the town.
Ambleside’s origins date from Romans, who built a stone fort at Waterhead called Galava around AD 120 (now in Borrans Field) - one of a number built to secure trade and service routes through the south lakes.
Galava was linked to the Roman port at Ravenglass (via Hardknott Pass), to Brocavum (Brougham) near Penrith along ‘High Street' (an elevated Roman road between Ullswater and Haweswater), and southwards to Watercrook, near Kendal.
Once the Romans left around AD 400, the Vikings moved in, founding a settlement on high ground above the town centre. It is thought that Ambleside may have been named after a Norseman called Amal (i.e. Amal's saeter - or summer pasture).
Ambleside was granted a market charter in 1650, and Market Place became the commercial centre for agriculture and the wool trade.
The old packhorse trail (now a bridleway) between Ambleside and Grasmere was the main route between the two towns before the new turnpike road was completed in 1770 (now the A591). Smithy Brow at the end of the trail was where packponies were re-shod after their journey.
With the coming of the turnpikes, the packhorse trains were superseded by horse-drawn stagecoaches, which regularly travelled between Keswick and Kendal (via Grasmere, Ambleside and Windermere).
The Salutation Hotel, a former hostelry dating from 1656, developed into a coaching inn where horses could be stabled overnight. The Royal Oak and the White Lion were also coaching inns.
Wray - Wray is home to Wray Castle. What you will see is a fascinating building with hints of its 'grand' past and plenty of signs of its varied history. Make sure you join one of the National Trust's free tours to get its full life story.
Waterhead - Passing through Waterhead approaching Ambleside from the South on the A591 you can find a variety of water-front shops, attractions, cafes & hotels. As well as public benches to sit and enjoy the sweeping views across Windermere and the opposite fells.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
Discover Ambleside on a walking tour with a Cumbria Blue Badge Guide weaving history, literary and…
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
Open 7 days a week including bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Parking spaces: General: 48, Disabled…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Multi payment option car park both pre and post parking. Payment can be made online. 60 spaces.
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation…
We offer a range of private group experiences near Ambleside, including ghyll scrambling,…
Restaurant located in the former work place of William Wordsworth, serving food inspired by…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ambleside
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world class scenery coming as standard. We know loads of great routes throughout the district and to suit all abilities and expectations. This makes us well…
Ambleside
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone Hotel and is reserved for adults only, and considered is one of the best spa’s in The Lake District. It is a place to relax and revive with seven…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Cumbria
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, woodland, isolated hillside farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly…
Ambleside
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian palette with a distinct Mediterranean twist.
Our menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of local ingredients. Our wine list…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Ambleside
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden centre in the Lakes. Open seven days a week, the centre is the perfect place for all your gardening and outdoor needs. Our extensive online shop…
Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Ambleside
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer, resistance machine, ipod docking stations and the outstanding Kinesis machine.
Ambleside
Located within the peaceful grounds of Brathay Hall, we have just six grasscrete pitches available for weekend stays, and some mid-week stays in summer, including electrical hook-up. Access to a water supply is available on site with a tap opposite…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsAmbleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Ambleside
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Ambleside. Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, World Heritage site.
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
102 reviewsAmbleside
Between 1939 and 1945 a significant proportion of Britain's national collection of modern art from the Tate Gallery in London was brought to Muncaster Castle to save it from destruction from bombing. This illustrated lecture explains why and how…
Ambleside
Ambleside & District Choral Society present an evening with the three greatest composers of the Golden Age of music in Vienna – Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. The concert will feature Mozart's masterpiece, The Requiem, Beethoven's joyful Choral…
Ambleside
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from Windermere. The Waterhead Inn is the perfect place to return to after a long day’s walking or exploring, whether you rest your head in one of our cosy double…
Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviewsAmbleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsAmbleside
Experience the very best of England's Lake District with a journey aboard a renowned Windermere cruise from Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier. Windermere Lake Cruises is the most popular attraction in Cumbria and constantly one of England top five ‘paid…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4508 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL