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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'.
After exploring Ambleside, make use of the Langdale Rambler bus service between March 25 and November 3 to visit other surrounding towns and villages before heading back to Ambleside.
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?
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.
Highlights
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal.…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
Experience the very best of England's Lake District with a journey aboard a renowned Windermere…
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds…
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an…
Starting in 2007 the Brathay 10in10 was the World's first 10 marathons in 10 days stage race. The…
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian…
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Number of results: 95
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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…
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
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
015394 33041Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
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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…
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
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
Brimstone Hotel & Spa, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38080Ambleside
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone Hotel and is reserved for adults only, and considered is one of the best spa’s in The Lake District. It is a place to relax and revive with seven…
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.
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.
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
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
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
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…
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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…
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Address
The Ambleside Inn, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 93333Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
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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.
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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
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Tourism For All
Address
Old Courthouse Gallery, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 32022Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
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