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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
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Located within the peaceful grounds of Brathay Hall, we have just six grasscrete pitches available…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
The medical form for this event will be emailed out before the event to the email address you…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Located within the peaceful grounds of Brathay Hall, we have just six grasscrete pitches available…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Located within the peaceful grounds of Brathay Hall, we have just six grasscrete pitches available…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
The medical form for this event will be emailed out before the event to the email address you…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
Show More
Prev
- 1En-Suite Rooms at Brathay Trust
- 2Road Cycling with Mountain Journeys
- 3Brathay Trust - Camper Van Pitches
- 4Group Accommodation at Brathay Trust
- 5Wainwright: Nordic Walking for the Fells with Nicola Merrett
- 6Tarn Hows and Tilberthwaite
- 7Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street
- 8The Ambleside Inn
- 9The Waterhead Inn
- 10The Ambleside Inn - Food & Drink
- 11Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 12Wateredge Inn - Food & Drink
- 13Great Lake District Swim Challenge East
- 14The Waterhead Inn Conferences
- 15Family Adventure Days with Mountain Journeys
- 16Low Fold Car Park
- 17Weddings at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 18Ambleside Townhouse
- 19The Lakeland Round with Contours Holidays
- 20Loughrigg Fell
- 21A Celebration Of Simon & Garfunkel
- 22The Temperance Inn, Ambleside - Food & Drink
- 23Fairfield Horseshoe
- 24Hayes Garden World
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 109
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Address
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
Tourism For All
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be scaling rocks to reach the summit, learning new skills along the way and enjoying those hard earned views at the top.
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Address
The Wateredge Inn, Borrans Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EPTelephone
015394 32332Ambleside
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.
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Address
Haven Cottage B&B, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AYTelephone
015394 33270Ambleside
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an enviable reputation for high quality breakfasts and superb customer service.
Tourism For All
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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.
Tourism For All
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation workshops, Rock Climbing, Rock Scrambling, Gorge Scrambling, Abseiling, Canyoning and any combination of these. We’re here to help ensure you experience the…
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Address
The Waterhead Inn, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ERTelephone
01539 432566Ambleside
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal. The Waterhead Inn offers just that! With delicious Cumbrian classics as well as exciting culinary twists served all day every day, there is something…
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Address
Millans Park, Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
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.
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
Alpkit Ambleside, 100 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DBTelephone
+447852162142Ambleside
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Ambleside.
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Address
Brimstone Hotel & Spa, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38080Ambleside
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…
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Address
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
015394 33041Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Tourism For All
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Address
The Ambleside Inn, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 93333Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Try outdoor swimming with Swim the Lakes in Ambleside, right at the heart of the Lake District and in one of the best locations in Britain for wild swimming. We are spoilt for choice in the Lake District, come and try it out for yourself and get…
Address
Vicarage Road, LA229DH, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA229DHTelephone
01257 450363Ambleside
Doors 7.pm
Show starts 7.30pm
BYOB
Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside Parish Centre (open 9am/1pm Monday to Thursday or buy online @ www.classicsingersongwriters.co.uk/sandgExperience the magic of Simon & Garfunkel…
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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
Address
St Mary's Church, Vicarage Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
015394 33944Ambleside
Programme: Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace; Vivaldi: Gloria.
With Joyce Tindsley (mezzo), Rachel Little (soprano) and the Lonsdale Ensemble-
Address
Hayes Garden World, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DWTelephone
015394 33434Ambleside
Open seven days a week, the cafe provides the full range of refreshment choices throughout the day, from speciality coffees, full English breakfasts, all-day snacks, tasty lunches and very popular Afternoon Teas.
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
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
