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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.
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Sitting right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, The Wateredge Inn is the perfect location…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central…
Multi payment option car park both pre and post parking. Payment can be made online. 60 spaces.
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's…
Parking spaces: General: 29, Disabled spaces: 3, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 101
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Ambleside
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden centre in the Lakes. Open seven days a week, the centre is the perfect place for all your gardening and outdoor needs. Our extensive online shop…
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
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.
Cumbria
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
Cumbria
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to those new to the Lake District.
AMBLESIDE
Offering superb Lake Views, large open green space, picnic tables and parking nearby, Borans Park also has the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of the Galava Roman fort. Head down to the lake shore for the perfect picnic spot.
Cumbria
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Cumbria
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of Scandale is a real surprise. Being so close to the hustle and bustle you would expect it to be the same with houses dotted along it's length and people…
Cumbria
You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of mountain and water that makes the Lake District so special.
Ambleside
Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic landscape and offers a gateway to some of the most beautiful fells in the Lake District.
Cumbria
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new to mountain biking.
Cumbria
Making frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being on a bike.
Cumbria
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return journey makes an excellent outing. The Coffin Road rises and falls gently along its course and gets you to a whole variety of viewpoints. The scenery…
Cumbria
Langdale is the closest valley to Ambleside which leads you right into the heart of the Lake District's core mountain range.
AMBLESIDE
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere – England’s longest lake. At Waterhead there is a pier where you can take a boat trip around England’s most famous lake or hop off at Bowness for the…
Cumbria
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this classic walk takes in all the peaks that surround Rydal.
Cumbria
Troutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of Wansfell.
Cumbria
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
Cumbria
Great Langdale, and its sister valley Little Langdale,sit side by side amongst the high dramatic peaks of the central fells.
Cumbria
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig point you would hardy guess this.
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