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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.
Waterhead 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 a rotation of fascinating exhibitions 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.
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).
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
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
Making frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds…
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
Established in 1887, F W Tyson have specialised in country and mountain footwear for the…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of…
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
To complement our newest exhibition, An A-Z of Beatrix Potter, we are excited to run our new…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming…
Our northernmost pier at Ambleside (Waterhead) is set in a beautiful location with arguably the…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 111
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
Ambleside Days is a Contemporary Jazz Festival which takes place inside the auditorium at Zeffirellis for a 4 day period.
A celebration of world class contemporary Jazz performances featuring some of the world's most outstanding players coming…
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.
Address
Rothay Manor Hotel, Borrans Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EHTelephone
01539433605Ambleside
Rowan Restaurant at Rothay Manor Hotel offers refined seasonal British dining in elegant surroundings, showcasing local Lake District produce with warm hospitality and Michelin-recognised quality.
Tourism For All
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
Ambleside Parish Church, Vicarage Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
01539 266 200Ambleside
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Ruby Hughes - Soprano | Huw Watkins - Piano
Bach Sarabande from Partita No.4
Purcell By Beautious softness arr. Ades
Purcell Music for a while arr. Tippett
Britten Folk Song arrangements
Huw Watkins…Address
Ambleside Parish Church, Vicarage Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
01539 266 200Ambleside
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Wihan String Quartet | Trio Bohémo | Marcelo Rodrigues - Double Bass | Nadejda Strin Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Dvořák Piano Quintet No.2 in A Op.81
Dvořák String Quintet No.2 in G Op.77
Suk…Address
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
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.
Address
Ambleside Manor - Vegetarian Hotel, Rothay Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EJTelephone
015394 32062Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
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…
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…
Ambleside
We're celebrating our 80th anniversary with a big party - and you're invited!
Join us at Brathay Hall, on 26th September 2026, for a family-friendly celebration of have-a-go activities, live music, food trucks and bar with special edition Jennings…
Address
Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…Address
The Wateredge Inn, Borrans Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EPTelephone
015394 32332Ambleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Address
Stock Ghyll Force, 6 Stockghyll Ln, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QTAmbleside
Stock Ghyll Force is a 70-foot waterfall nestled in woodlands right in the heart of Ambleside - some call it Ambleside's best-kept secret!
Address
Brantholme B&B Guest House In Ambleside The Lake District With Hot tub And Free Parking, Milans Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AGTelephone
015394 33974Ambleside
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away on a quiet lane just minutes from the village center. This owner-managed gem offers an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, featuring…
Tourism For All
Address
The Armitt Museum, Ambleside, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
01539431212Ambleside
A Geography of Absence: Walking the small town: An illustrated talk with Julian Hyde
Over many years Julian Hyde has been building an accidental archive of material gathered from the side streets of Windermere.
In this talk he will share aspects of…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 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.
Address
Swim the Lakes, Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
015394 338262 Compston Rd, Ambleside
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.
The pool below the fall at…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.
Tourism For All
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