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Don't Miss
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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.
Lakeside Pier
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'.
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!
Food & Drink in Ambleside
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.
Culture & Heritage
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.
Surrounding Areas
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.
Did you know?
BRIDGE HOUSE
The iconic Bridge House is a tiny house over Stock Beck in the centre of the town and one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Originally built as an apple store by the Braithwaites of Ambleside Hall in 1723, the building is now owned by the National Trust and is open daily from Easter to October.
GALAVA ROMAN FORT
Built around AD 120, the original stone fort of Galava at Waterhead stood on a raised platform to avoid flooding from the rivers Rothay & Brathay. The Roman garrison numbered about 500 men and supported a sizeable civilian settlement outside the fort.
‘THE STRUGGLE’
‘The Struggle’ aptly describes the steep ascent out of Ambleside to the Kirkstone Inn, one of the highest hostelries in the UK. Teams of packponies and horse-drawn carriages regularly laboured up this gruelling hill!
KURT SCHWITTERS (1887–1948)
Kurt Schwitters a refugee from Hitler’s Germany, arrived in Ambleside in 1945. Although unrecognised in his lifetime, Schwitters is now recognised as a master of collages and abstract assemblages of recycled materials, referring to his work as Merz; a term that has become synonymous with his style of work.
WILLIAM GREEN (1760–1823)
William Green was a fine draughtsman and engraver who lived in Ambleside from 1800 to 1823. His accurate representations of Lakeland landscapes and buildings were much in demand at the time. He was a close friend of William Wordsworth, who wrote the epitaph on his grave in St Oswald’s Church, Grasmere.
HERBERT BELL (1856–1946)
Herbert Bell’s photographic studies of local landscapes, architecture and working life in the Lake District are an invaluable record of social history. Bell grew up in Ambleside (his father was the local chemist) and started experimenting with photography in his twenties. His skills with a camera were much in demand during his lifetime.
Highlights
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Elterwater Swimming Adventure – this little corner of the South Lakes is often overlooked by…
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
This corner of Lakeland is still rather special and retains that timeless feel. It is also home to…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Pay & Display. (NT members free) with 40 spaces. A great parking spot for a riverside amble or…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Elterwater Swimming Adventure – this little corner of the South Lakes is often overlooked by…
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Elterwater Swimming Adventure – this little corner of the South Lakes is often overlooked by…
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
This corner of Lakeland is still rather special and retains that timeless feel. It is also home to…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Pay & Display. (NT members free) with 40 spaces. A great parking spot for a riverside amble or…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to…
Show More
Prev
- 1The Old Courthouse Gallery (OCG) - Contemporary Arts and Crafts
- 2Elterwater Swimming Adventure
- 3Armitt Talk Series 2025: The Artistry, Meaning & Mystery of Cumbrian Gravestones over the ages
- 4Fellinis Restaurant
- 5Rothay Park, Ambleside
- 6Skelwith Fold Caravan Park
- 7Finsthwaite Wild Swim
- 8Skelwith Fold Caravan Park - Self Catering
- 9The Flying Fleece
- 10Waterhead Pier
- 11Great Lake District Swim Challenge East
- 12Elterwater Car Park (National Trust)
- 13Waterhead Car Park
- 14Waterhead Car Park Public Toilets
- 15The Waterhead Inn Conferences
- 16Ease into Easedale
- 17Group Accommodation at Brathay Trust
- 18St. Mary's Church, Ambleside
- 19Elterwater Hostel
- 20Buckstones Jum & Waterfalls
- 21Rydal Road Car Park
- 22Ullswater Swimming Adventure
- 23The Ambleside Inn
- 24Outdoor Swimming Taster Session
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 121
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Address
Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman, Odette, he is enraptured. But she is under a spell that holds her captive, allowing her to regain her human form only at night. Von…
Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to begin, this trip is perfect for you. Just book your spot, pack your swimsuit and towel, and we'll handle the rest! We include wetsuit and equipment…
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Address
The Flying Fleece, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ANTelephone
015394 33384Ambleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
Tourism For All
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Address
Old Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DJTelephone
07810 803 415Ambleside
Our traditional Lakeland property welcomes groups of up to 16 in the main house and four in the adjoining apartment. Nestled in the heart of Ambleside in a quiet location, we offer stunning Fell views, as well as private parking. Packed with…
Tourism For All
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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…
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Address
Stove Restaurant & Bar, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38080Ambleside
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern and traditional dishes featuring seasonal and the finest local produce are created by Scott and his team, you are able to get…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
This corner of Lakeland is still rather special and retains that timeless feel. It is also home to one of the nicest places to swim in the Lakes, its peaty water and old plantation woodland offer something a bit different to the usual upland tarns.…
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Address
The Temperance Inn, 33 Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BHTelephone
015394 33192Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Tourism For All
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Address
The Temperance Inn, 33 Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BHTelephone
015394 33192Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Tourism For All
Address
Fellinis Restaurant, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar returns to its roots with this sensational performance filmed in the UK during the Live Arena Tour. An incredible cast including Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, Melanie Chisholm…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater Swimming Adventure! Ullswater is one of the Lake District's most beautiful big lakes. With views of the Helvellyn massive to the west and Place Fell to the…
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Address
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HYTelephone
015394 32277Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
Tourism For All
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Address
Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street, Elterwater, Cumbria, LA22 9HPTelephone
01782 783170Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Tourism For All
Address
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt museum from February to December 2025.
The Armitt museum and Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia are thrilled to announce a collaborative and…
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Address
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HYTelephone
015394 32277Ambleside
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw from Ambleside, Windermere and Hawkshead. They’re perfectly positioned for exploring some of Cumbria’s best loved towns and villages as well as…
Tourism For All
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer abseiling throughout the Lake District, all venues are stunningly beautiful and offer different abseil lengths so we can pick a venue to suit you best.
Address
Fellinis Restaurant, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history - millions flock every year to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless outsiders. 1874 was the year that changed everything; the first…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Are you interested in open-water swimming? This course is designed just for you! We simplify the process of getting into the water and enjoying outdoor swimming. Our Introduction to Open Water Swimming course, which combines dry-land knowledge and…
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Address
Langdale Hotel & Spa, The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
01539438014Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Tourism For All
