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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
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Elterwater Swimming Adventure – this little corner of the South Lakes is often overlooked by…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal.…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
The Ambleside Tourist Information Centre sits within “The Crux of Ambleside” premises, which are…
Offering superb Lake Views, large open green space, picnic tables and parking nearby, Borans Park…
The medical form for this event will be emailed out before the event to the email address you…
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Elterwater Swimming Adventure – this little corner of the South Lakes is often overlooked by…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal.…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
The Ambleside Tourist Information Centre sits within “The Crux of Ambleside” premises, which are…
Offering superb Lake Views, large open green space, picnic tables and parking nearby, Borans Park…
The medical form for this event will be emailed out before the event to the email address you…
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Elterwater Swimming Adventure – this little corner of the South Lakes is often overlooked by…
Show More
Prev
- 1Stove Bar & Restaurant at Langdale Hotel and Spa
- 2The Lakeland Round with Contours Holidays
- 3Abseiling with Mountain Journeys
- 4The Waterhead Inn - Food & Drink
- 5Ambleside to Grasmere - 'The Coffin Route'
- 6The Armitt Museum
- 7Ambleside Tourist Information Centre
- 8Borrans Park, Ambleside
- 9Wainwright: Nordic Walking for the Fells with Nicola Merrett
- 10Above Stock Self Catering Apartment
- 11Ease into Easedale
- 12Guided Walks with Mountain Journeys
- 13Waterhead Pier
- 14Skelwith Fold Caravan Park - Glamping
- 15The Waterhead Inn
- 16Canyoning with Mountain Journeys
- 17Wateredge Inn - Food & Drink
- 18Hodge Close Quarry
- 19Elterwater Hostel
- 20Skelwith Fold Caravan Park
- 21Scandale and Red Screes
- 22Techno Gym at Ambleside Salutation Hotel
- 23The Old Courthouse Gallery (OCG) - Contemporary Arts and Crafts
- 24Elterwater Swimming Adventure
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 123
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Address
Stock Ghyll Force, 6 Stockghyll Ln, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QTAmbleside
Stock Ghyll Force is a 70-foot waterfall nestled in woodlands right in the heart of Ambleside - some call it Ambleside's best-kept secret!
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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
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
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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
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
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
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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Cumbria
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, woodland, isolated hillside farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly…
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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
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
The swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook adventure.
In true Swallows and Amazons style, we'll set out from the shore across the rippling waves of Coniston Water to reach the far-flung shores…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
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
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…
Address
Fellinis Restaurant, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick's comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.
This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack, is…
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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
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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.
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
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the hamlet of Rydal. This is a wonderful hike up to the now famous Buckstones Jum and the waterfalls that lie downstream. A "Jum" is an old dialect word…
Address
Force Cafe, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QYAmbleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
Tourism For All
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
Get immersed in nature with us on a wild swim down the river, past the ancient Galava ruins and fascinating wetlands opening up into wonderful lake views. This is one of our favourite Lake District swimming spots, providing you with the fascinating…
