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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
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
Troutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of…
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Outdoor swim safety and lifesaving knowledge lie at the heart of our wild swimming courses and…
The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
This outdoor swimming course takes place at the picturesque Rydal Water, a charming small lake. The…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
If hiking and swimming in stunning locations is your thing, then you will love our Ullswater…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
Troutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of…
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Outdoor swim safety and lifesaving knowledge lie at the heart of our wild swimming courses and…
The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
This outdoor swimming course takes place at the picturesque Rydal Water, a charming small lake. The…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Show More
Prev
- 1Ullswater Swimming Adventure
- 2Hodge Close Quarry
- 3The Waterhead Inn Conferences
- 4Mountain Journeys
- 5Ambleside to Grasmere - 'The Coffin Route'
- 6Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Guest House
- 7Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street
- 8Road Cycling with Mountain Journeys
- 9Zeffirellis
- 10Guided Walks with Mountain Journeys
- 11Troutbeck and Jenkin Crag
- 12The Spa at Ambleside Salutation Hotel
- 13Skelwith Fold Caravan Park - Self Catering
- 14TASTER Foraging Workshop near Ambleside
- 15Outdoor Swim Safety & Lifesaving
- 16Buttermere Swimble
- 17Loughrigg Cottage
- 18Tour of Loughrigg Fell
- 19Tarn Hows and Tilberthwaite
- 20Great Lake District Swim Challenge East
- 21Introduction to Outdoor Swimming
- 22Stove Bar & Restaurant at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 23Brimstone Spa at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 24Ease into Easedale
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 117
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
This outdoor swimming course takes place at the picturesque Rydal Water, a charming small lake. The morning session is ideal for those who are new to outdoor swimming. It aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence while teaching you…
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, 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
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
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
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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…
Address
Brathay Trust, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
07739 646154Ambleside
Starting in 2007 the Brathay 10in10 was the World's first 10 marathons in 10 days stage race.
The challenge is simple; run 10 laps of the stunning Windermere Marathon course over 10 days. Most participants are focused on the final prize of reaching…
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…
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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
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…
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Address
Ambleside Tap Yard, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ANTelephone
01539 423234Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
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
Elterwater Hostel, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HXTelephone
015394 37245Ambleside
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the heart of the Langdale Valley in the English Lake District.
Tourism For All
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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
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Address
Above Stock, Birch Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DTTelephone
015394 34031Ambleside
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central location with immediate access to fells, shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema.
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…
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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
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
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
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.
