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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
Making frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
Learn how to massage in the Lakes. Workshops include couple's massage tutorials and deep tissue…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal.…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
If you've ever been curious about how photography was done a century or more ago, this workshop…
Free electric bike charging point, located at Ghyllside Cycles, Ambleside.
Tucked away on the shores of Windermere, Brathay Hall is a stunning multi-functional venue for your…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft…
Troutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of…
Bring your meeting or event to The Langdale Estate and enjoy a stunning Lake District location with…
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
Brathay Hall is available to be hired for exclusive use, inclusive of our en-suite rooms, group…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ambleside
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviewsAmbleside
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.
Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
Ambleside
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviewsAMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Ambleside
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!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsAmbleside
Learn how to massage in the Lakes. Workshops include couple's massage tutorials and deep tissue back massage lessons Acquire new healing skills and enjoy receiving massage in the process.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviewsAmbleside
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…
Ambleside
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
If you've ever been curious about how photography was done a century or more ago, this workshop with photographer Chris Routledge is a chance to find out. Using modern instant film and direct positive paper, this is your chance to get under the dark…
Ambleside
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and obsession that was also the first book to introduce the sport to a general audience, beyond the mountainous north-west. Some say fell running hasn't been…
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1012 reviewsAmbleside
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE will be available in cinemas nationwide for one week only.
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
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?
Ambleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Ambleside
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's toughest rowing race – an unsupported, 3,000 nautical mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands to Nelson's…
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