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Don't Miss
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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.
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
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
Following on from the success of his 2024 album, True North, acclaimed Folk artist, Jonny Campbell…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an…
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation…
You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
This outdoor swimming course takes place at the picturesque Rydal Water, a charming small lake. The…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
Following on from the success of his 2024 album, True North, acclaimed Folk artist, Jonny Campbell…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Doors 7.pm Show starts 7.30pm BYOB Tickets £15 on sale @ Fred's Bookshop Ambleside and Ambleside…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an…
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation…
You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
This outdoor swimming course takes place at the picturesque Rydal Water, a charming small lake. The…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
Following on from the success of his 2024 album, True North, acclaimed Folk artist, Jonny Campbell…
Show More
Prev
- 1A Celebration Of Simon & Garfunkel
- 2Gorge Scrambling with Mountain Journeys
- 3Ease into Easedale
- 4Abseiling with Mountain Journeys
- 5Haven Cottage
- 6NT Live: Dr. Strangelove
- 7Lily Tarn and Todd Crag
- 8Loughrigg Cottage
- 9Weddings at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 10Rydal Road Car Park
- 11Waterhead Pier
- 12TASTER Foraging Workshop near Ambleside
- 13Road Cycling with Mountain Journeys
- 14Waterhead Car Park
- 15The Mountain Road
- 16Hayes Garden World
- 17Tramper Hire - Langdale
- 18Wray
- 19Introduction to Outdoor Swimming
- 20Loughrigg Fell
- 21The Ambleside Inn
- 22Rothay Park, Ambleside
- 23Brimstone Spa at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 24Wainwright: An unplugged evening of original and traditional Northern English Folk with Johnny Campbell
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 109
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
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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
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.
Address
Chesters By The River, Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9NJTelephone
+447852162142Ambleside
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Chesters By The River.
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Address
The Waterhead Inn, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ERTelephone
01539 432566Ambleside
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…
Tourism For All
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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
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?
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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
-Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg and Silver How, at the entrance to Great Langdale.
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Outdoor swim safety and lifesaving knowledge lie at the heart of our wild swimming courses and trips at Swim the Lakes. Over the years we have set the standard "best practice" for swim-guiding safety that others follow. We are lucky enough to have a…
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Address
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HYTelephone
015394 32277Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Tourism For All
Address
The Old Vicarage Ambleside, Vicarage Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
015394 33364Ambleside
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds in central Ambleside. Onsite car parking, Swimming Pool, Sauna & Hot tub etc. Overlooking Rothay Park and tucked away from traffic noise.
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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
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
Vicarage Road, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
015394 34512AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
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…
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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
The Armitt Museum, Nook Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Tickets include £7 Museum entry (Valid for 12 months free entry)
15th March session: For 2025, The Armitt will be welcoming visitors back into the storeroom for the chance to get up close and personal with aspects of a museum not often on show. Our…
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…
