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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
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
This corner of Lakeland is still rather special and retains that timeless feel. It is also home to…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…
Parking spaces: 210, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with consideration, No height…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
The Ambleside Tourist Information Centre sits within “The Crux of Ambleside” premises, which are…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Try outdoor swimming with Swim the Lakes in Ambleside, right at the heart of the Lake District and…
Outdoor swim safety and lifesaving knowledge lie at the heart of our wild swimming courses and…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Tucked away on the shores of Windermere, Brathay Hall is a stunning multi-functional venue for your…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
This corner of Lakeland is still rather special and retains that timeless feel. It is also home to…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
This corner of Lakeland is still rather special and retains that timeless feel. It is also home to…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…
Parking spaces: 210, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with consideration, No height…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
The Ambleside Tourist Information Centre sits within “The Crux of Ambleside” premises, which are…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Try outdoor swimming with Swim the Lakes in Ambleside, right at the heart of the Lake District and…
Outdoor swim safety and lifesaving knowledge lie at the heart of our wild swimming courses and…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Tucked away on the shores of Windermere, Brathay Hall is a stunning multi-functional venue for your…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Show More
Prev
- 1Abseiling with Mountain Journeys
- 2Finsthwaite Wild Swim
- 3The Temperance Inn, Ambleside - Food & Drink
- 4Ambleside to Grasmere - 'The Coffin Route'
- 5Techno Gym at Ambleside Salutation Hotel
- 6The Lakeland Round with Contours Holidays
- 7Canyoning with Mountain Journeys
- 8Miller Bridge Car Park, Ambleside
- 9Forage and Nibble with Alpkit in Ambleside
- 10St. Mary's Church, Ambleside
- 11Stove Bar & Restaurant at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 12En-Suite Rooms at Brathay Trust
- 13Fairfield Horseshoe
- 14Ambleside Tourist Information Centre
- 15TASTER Foraging Workshop near Ambleside
- 16Great Lake District Swim Challenge East
- 17Wild Swimming Taster
- 18Outdoor Swim Safety & Lifesaving
- 19Waterhead Pier
- 20Conferences, Meetings and Team Building at Brathay Hall
- 21The Waterhead Inn Conferences
- 22Armitt Talk Series 2025: The Artistry, Meaning & Mystery of Cumbrian Gravestones over the ages
- 23Skelwith Fold Caravan Park - Glamping
- 24Weddings at Langdale Hotel and Spa
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 117
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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 Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and swimming. Rydal Water has a fascinating history and is the ideal location for wild swimming. Join us on this gem of a swim-walk, swim the islands of Rydal Water, and…
Address
The Britannia Inn, Main Street, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HPTelephone
015394 37210Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Tourism For All
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…
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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
Ambleside Manor - Vegetarian Hotel, Rothay Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EJTelephone
015394 32062Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
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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
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
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
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
Rothay Manor Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Borrans Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EHTelephone
01539 433605Ambleside
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in individually designed bedrooms. Experience the epitome of luxury with modern bathrooms, plush dressing gowns, and premium amenities.
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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
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake District – That's 7 lakes in 2 days, are you ready to accept the challenge? This is a fully catered trip for energetic & enthusiastic swimmers who will be…
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
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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
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be off-putting for some. We know the roads and terrain here very well and can formulate routes to suit your aspirations.
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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
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself is a stunning place to swim and the water is crystal clear, with that typical slate blue tint we know and love. The walking here is also lovely, too…
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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.
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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.
