to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
Making frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being…
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central…
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an…
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds…
Tucked away on the shores of Windermere, Brathay Hall is a stunning multi-functional venue for your…
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake…
Bring your meeting or event to The Langdale Estate and enjoy a stunning Lake District location with…
On our walk the the history of Ambleside started with the Romans. They built their fort Galava in…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 92
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella's life is dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out...With a little bit of magic, she is transported into an ethereal new world – one where fairies…
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
Loughrigg Cottage, Clappersgate, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9NAAmbleside
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres of private land to explore. Perfect for getting together with family and friends.
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Address
Lower Gale, The Pencil Factory, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BDTelephone
015394 33777Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
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Address
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BTAmbleside
On Saturday 16th November, The Ambleside Christmas Lights event is an evening of joy and festivity awaits with the launch of the Christmas lights. There will be Santa themed cruises, a lantern parade, fireworks, stalls and live music.
Address
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Whalebone arches were once a common sight across Britain, especially near to whaling ports like Hull, Whitby, Newcastle, Dundee, and London. The Burneside jaw bones, best seen from the top deck of the 555 bus, are among the few now remaining. This…
Address
Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky's score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar…
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
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping into crystal clear pools of deep water, sliding into pools, wild swimming, and scrambling - all in the most beautiful of settings.
Address
The Armitt Museum, Nook Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Join us for a rip-roaring ride through Cumbria past and present with writer Gordon Emery. From crashing continents to Stone Age axes and stone circles, Roman roads, ruins and canals to Saxon runes, Viking sagas, Norman castles, hunting, abbeys and…
Address
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt museum from February to December 2025.
The Armitt museum and Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia are thrilled to announce a collaborative and…
Address
Fellinis, Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
A ray of glimmer and shine, André Rieu's 2024 Christmas Concert will be returning to cinemas!
This holiday season bring some sparkle to your screens, and join André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in their Christmas extravaganza. Join us now so you…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.
Address
Hayes Garden World, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DWTelephone
015394 33434Ambleside
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden centre in the Lakes. Open seven days a week, the centre is the perfect place for all your gardening and outdoor needs. Our extensive online shop…
Tourism For All
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
Address
Fellinis, Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
A breathtaking natural amphitheater in Tuscany, Italy, bursts to life with enchanting melodies as world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli honors his 30th anniversary with a three-day concert event in his hometown.
Journey to the Teatro del…
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.
Address
Langdale Hotel & Spa, The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
01539438014Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
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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
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer, resistance machine, ipod docking stations and the outstanding Kinesis machine.
Tourism For All
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