- Accommodation
- What's On
- Things to Do
- Food and Drink
- Explore Cumbria
- Areas of Cumbria
- Towns & Villages
- Lakes of the Lake District
- Travel
- Year of the Coast
- Dark Sky Cumbria
- World Heritage Cumbria
- Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
- Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
- Mountains and Fells
- Wainwrights
- The National Trust in the Lake District
- Cumbrian Castles
- Cumbrian Churches
- Harbours & Marinas
- Tourist Information Centres
- Areas of Cumbria
- Ideas and Inspiration
- Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
- Lake District, Cumbria Bucket List
- Selfie Guide
- Suggested Itineraries
- Sunny day ideas
- Rainy day ideas
- Spa Breaks
- Romantic Breaks
- Family Holidays
- Dog Friendly Holidays
- Bespoke Holidays
- The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District
- Sustainable Stays
- Caring for the environment
- Live, Work and Study in The Lake District, Cumbria
- Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
- Weddings
- Conferences & Event Spaces
- Prizes & Guides
- Blog
- Plan your journey
- Special Offers
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
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Programme: Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace; Vivaldi: Gloria. With Joyce Tindsley…
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of…
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
Experience the very best of England's Lake District with a journey aboard a renowned Windermere…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Starlight Night Swim – Wild swimming is great fun in its own right, but add a little bit of night…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Our Loughrigg, Lakes & Lilies wild swim is one of our most popular Adventure Swim Days. It has just…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
Located within the peaceful grounds of Brathay Hall, we have just six grasscrete pitches available…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Programme: Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace; Vivaldi: Gloria. With Joyce Tindsley…
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of…
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of…
If you're interested in experiencing wild swimming in the Lake District but aren't sure where to…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
Experience the very best of England's Lake District with a journey aboard a renowned Windermere…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Starlight Night Swim – Wild swimming is great fun in its own right, but add a little bit of night…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Our Loughrigg, Lakes & Lilies wild swim is one of our most popular Adventure Swim Days. It has just…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
Located within the peaceful grounds of Brathay Hall, we have just six grasscrete pitches available…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Programme: Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace; Vivaldi: Gloria. With Joyce Tindsley…
Show More
Prev
- 1Films at Zeffirellis
- 2Outdoor Swimming Taster Session
- 3A Celebration Of Simon & Garfunkel
- 4Guided Walks with Mountain Journeys
- 5Windermere Lake Cruises, Waterhead
- 6Techno Gym at Ambleside Salutation Hotel
- 7Waterhead Car Park
- 8Skelwith Fold Caravan Park - Self Catering
- 9Rothay Park, Ambleside
- 10Starlight Night Swim
- 11Ease into Easedale
- 12Loughrigg, Lakes and Lilies
- 13Sunrise and Sunset Hikes with Mountain Journeys
- 14Swim the Lakes
- 15Wray
- 16Ullswater Swimming Adventure
- 17Brathay Trust - Camper Van Pitches
- 18Skelwith Fold Caravan Park
- 19The Spa at Ambleside Salutation Hotel
- 20Skelwith Fold Caravan Park - Glamping
- 21Ambleside Tap Yard
- 22Loughrigg Cottage
- 23Waterhead Pier
- 24Ambleside & District Choral Society Spring Concert
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 121
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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, 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
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…
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…
-
Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the smaller and bigger mountains, right up to the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn or even multiple summits, we will endeavour to build a route to…
-
Address
Waterhead Pier, Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EYTelephone
015394 43360Ambleside
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…
-
Address
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
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.
Tourism For All
-
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
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
Starlight Night Swim – Wild swimming is great fun in its own right, but add a little bit of night time to the mix and it becomes downright exciting! Join us for swimming, fun, fire and hot choccy.
This is an easy night swim for competent outdoor…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic scenery and clear tarn swimming. With its mini classic walk and well-situated pools, it's the perfect introduction to adventure swimming.
We meet and end…Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Our Loughrigg, Lakes & Lilies wild swim is one of our most popular Adventure Swim Days. It has just the right mix of swimming and walking and is a relaxing way to enjoy the best of Lake District wild swimming in one of our favourite and most…
-
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?
-
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
01539433826Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
Tourism For All
-
Address
Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JATelephone
015394 33250Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Tourism For All
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…
Address
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
015394 33041Ambleside
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…
Tourism For All
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
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
-
Address
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and indulge yourself in beautiful surroundings and enjoy one of our specially tailored spa packages.
Tourism For All
