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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
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Making frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being…
Brathay Hall is available to be hired for exclusive use, inclusive of our en-suite rooms, group…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
Open 7 days a week including bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Parking spaces: General: 48, Disabled…
Parking spaces: 210, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with consideration, No height…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the…
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…
Multi payment option car park both pre and post parking. Payment can be made online. 60 spaces.
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
On 21 November 2025 14:00-15:30 £15 Join this very special event to mark 175 years since…
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo…
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming…
On 13 November 2025 16:30-18:00 £15 Although Derry had illustrated other countryside books, he…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
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Number of results: 117
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Address
-Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg and Silver How, at the entrance to Great Langdale.
Address
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HYTelephone
015394 32277Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Tourism For All
Address
The Langdale Hotel and Spa, The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
+441539438014Great Langdale, Ambleside
A restorative floating sound bath in the heart of the Lake District.
Renew your mind, body and soul with our evening ritual at Langdale. This intimate one-hour ritual invites you to slow down, reconnect, and restore. Float effortlessly in the indoor…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
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 Unique Opera Experience That Will Move You to Tears
Forget everything you think you know about filmed opera. Opera Glassworks has created a breathtaking cinematic masterpiece that transforms Verdi's beloved "La Traviata" into an intimate film…
Address
The Armitt Museum, Nook Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
On 17 October 2025
18:00-19:00Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck, undertook a fascinating an unique project on the Lake District Fells - The Wainwrights in Colour. This task has been to find a locate every single…
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
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.
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
Wainwrights' Inn, Chapel Stile, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
+441539438014Great Langdale, Ambleside
Join Ashley from The Floralistas at Wainwrights' Inn for a festive escape into nature and creativity. In this hands-on workshop, you'll craft a wild and whimsical wreath using sustainable British foliage and Cumbria-grown willow. Enjoy mulled wine…
Address
Ambleside Townhouse, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DBTelephone
015394 33240Ambleside
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
Tourism For All
Address
Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
This holiday season, the magic begins on the big screen. Join André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas Concert – "Merry Christmas" and experience joyful carols, beautiful waltzes, and plenty of surprises – it's the ultimate Christmas cinema…
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…
Ambleside
Established in 1887, F W Tyson have specialised in country and mountain footwear for the connoisseur for over 120 years.
Tourism For All
Address
Stock Ghyll Cark Park, Rydal Road Car Park LA22 9AY, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AYTelephone
+447761582675Ambleside
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the Lake District's most iconic ridge walks. This full mountain circuit from Ambleside offers exceptional views, steady ascents, and a memorable day on…
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
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation workshops, Rock Climbing, Rock Scrambling, Gorge Scrambling, Abseiling, Canyoning and any combination of these. We’re here to help ensure you experience the…
Address
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Ambleside Inn, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 93333Ambleside
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a character befitting that long-standing heritage. Offering 29 comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, if…
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