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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
There’s something truly special about being by the water and The Wateredge Inn in Ambleside…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
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Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft…
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…
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
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The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
Pay & Display. (NT members free) with 40 spaces. A great parking spot for a riverside amble or…
Stock Ghyll Force is a 70-foot waterfall nestled in woodlands right in the heart of Ambleside -…
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Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
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Number of results: 114
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Address
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
015394 33041Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Tourism For All
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration. Bringing the spirit of 1920s and 30s blues, jazz, swing and ragtime to life, the band delivers a captivating mix…
Address
Brimstone Spa at Langdale Hotel and Spa, Brimstone Hotel & Spa, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38014Great Langdale, Ambleside
A restorative wellness experience in the heart of the Lake District.
Slow flow yoga, seasonal canapés, thermal spa journey, floating sound bath and an optional three-course dinner to complete.Step into a sanctuary of stillness and sensory renewal…
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
Old Courthouse Gallery, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 32022Ambleside
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and craft. We represent around 120 artists and makers, with hundreds of artworks for sale across three floors. We are renowned for the consistently high…
Tourism For All
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
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
The Armitt Museum, Nook Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
On 29 October 2025
10:00-17:00It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns!
We're looking forward to hosting Fungi Fest again, this time with more outdoor events. This year we are blending the scientific and entertainment sides of fungi…
Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the smaller and bigger mountains, right up to the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn or even multiple summits, we will endeavour to build a route to…
Address
Fellinis, Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate…
Address
Alpkit Ambleside, 100 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DBTelephone
+447852162142Ambleside
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Ambleside.
Address
The Ambleside Inn, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 93333Ambleside
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
Established in 1887, F W Tyson have specialised in country and mountain footwear for the connoisseur for over 120 years.
Tourism For All
Address
The Wateredge Inn, Borrans Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EPTelephone
0191 580 3610Ambleside
There’s something truly special about being by the water and The Wateredge Inn in Ambleside captures that magic perfectly. Perched right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, it’s the kind of place where you can sit back on the waterfront…
Tourism For All
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
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
Fellinis, Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme at the magnificent Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
Puccini's beloved classic - the original bohemian love story - has long captivated audiences…
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.
Tourism For All
Address
The Armitt Museum, Nook Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
On 12 November 2025
14:00-16:00
£10Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North West, and has always been fascinated by the magical objects they contain. She has also admired the fantastic illustrations of people who discovered…
Address
Fellinis, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Church St, Ambleside
In war-torn Rome, Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi live for each other and for their art. But when Cavaradossi helps an escaped prisoner, the lovers make a deadly enemy in the form of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police. At the mercy of Scarpia's…
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