Don't Miss
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'.
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
Great Langdale, and its sister valley Little Langdale,sit side by side amongst the high dramatic…
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
Franck - Chorale No.2 in B minor M. 39 (arr. Corbett) Bach - Prelude & Fugue in C sharp BWV 848…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Wihan String Quartet | Trio Bohémo | Marcelo…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
Performing music from his second album Americana (released April 2025), Eddie Gripper tells the…
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal.…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away…
Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg…
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Schumann Kinderszenen Op.15 Čiurlionis Four…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
Coast-to-coast 180 mile ultra triathlon.
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of…
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the…
Bring your meeting or event to The Langdale Estate and enjoy a stunning Lake District location with…
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 120
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Ambleside Parish Church, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
01539 266 200Ambleside
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival. Featuring a captivating blend of music, and world class performers and emerging artists, the Summer Festival takes place from 31 July to 9 August…
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!
Tourism For All
Cumbria
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and down into the depths of Hodge Close.
Distance: 3.85 miles (6.2km).
Nearest Town: Ambleside.
Start Location: Tilberthwaite Car Park…
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
Rothay Park, Ambleside, 1 Vicarage Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
+447743093033Ambleside
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run
23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes in a Day but without so much of the navigation element or the high mountains? This half distance trail option takes you on a journey from the…Address
Vicarage Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
015394 33944Ambleside
A performance of Faure's celebrated Requiem and the wonderfully uplifting Magnificat by John Rutter. With orchestra.
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
North-West based singer and pianist is looking forward to tinkling the ivories at the Zeffirellis Jazz Bar. Fred studied music at Lancaster University and plays throughout the Lakes, Lancashire and beyond either solo or with various line-ups. Expect…
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
As seen on Britains got talent..
Got the blues? Well, step right up, because The Jive Aces are bringing their swingin' show to town, and it's gonna' flip your frown upside down! When these cats burst onto the stage in their signature yellow suits,…
Address
The Waterhead Inn, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ERTelephone
01539 432566Ambleside
Just a short stroll from Ambleside’s bustling centre and only steps from the shores of Windermere, The Waterhead Inn is the perfect place to relax, refuel, and soak up the beauty of the Lake District. After a day exploring fells, lakes, and…
Tourism For All
Address
Ambleside Parish Church, Vicarage Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
01539 266 200Ambleside
Lake District Music Academy | Ignas Maknickas - Piano | Agogo String Quartet | Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String Quartet | Stephen Threlfall - Conductor
Bloch Concerto Grosso No.1
Janáček Adagio from Suite for Strings
Dvořák Serenade for…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…
Tourism For All
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…
Tourism For All
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
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
01539433826Ambleside
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 popular Buckstones Jum and the waterfalls that lie downstream. A "Jum" is an old dialect word for a…
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.
Tourism For All
Ambleside
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of Peter Rabbit in 1901 and how her life changed after her marriage in 1913.
Photograph credits:
Beatrix in the porch at Hill Top, 1913; Lloyd E. Cotsen…Address
The Waterhead Inn, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ERTelephone
01539 432566Ambleside
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…
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
Hejira is a seven piece band devoted to Joni Mitchell's extraordinary late 1970s work, drawing much of its repertoire from the iconic live album Shadows And Light.
Expect an uplifting evening featuring classics such as Amelia, Woodstock, A Case Of…
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
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
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Ratings Powered By
© Cumbria Tourism