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.
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
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run 23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away…
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the…
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Making frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being…
Open 7 days a week including bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Parking spaces: General: 48, Disabled…
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
Langdale is the closest valley to Ambleside which leads you right into the heart of the Lake…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
"They come back with the fire tender - all the way from Kendal to Troutbeck Bridge" Life in the…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in…
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides…
Celebrate 80 years of Brathay with a fun-filled family event at Brathay Hall on Saturday 26…
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: 100
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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…
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
The Armitt Museum, Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
01539431212Ambleside
This talk is centred on the Tales based around Sawrey and Hill Top. You may have read some of these stories for yourself and thought, "How did Beatrix Potter come up with these ideas?" Janet's talk will tell you about the background to these Tales,…
Address
Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street, Elterwater, Cumbria, LA22 9HPTelephone
01782 783170Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
01539433826Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
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…
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
Waterhead Pier, Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EYTelephone
015394 43360Ambleside
Our northernmost pier at Ambleside (Waterhead) is set in a beautiful location with arguably the best views of the Lake District Fells from the water.
Tourism For All
Address
Wainwrights' Inn, Chapel Stile, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38014Ambleside
Join us for a day of live music, family fun and festival vibes in the heart of the Langdale Valley.
Returning on Saturday 29th August 2026, the Langdale Live Family Festival brings together fantastic live music, great food and drink, children's…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
Skelwith Bridge, Langdale, Nr Ambelside, Cumbria, LA22 9NJNr Ambelside
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
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!
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
The Nikki Iles Band is Nikki Iles piano, Mike Walker Guitar, Caroline Bowden drums and Gary Culshaw bass.
"Nikki Iles is one of the most refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK scene in recent times, with a liquid sound and supple, obliquely…
Address
Fellinis Restaurant, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian palette with a distinct Mediterranean twist.
Our menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of local ingredients. Our wine list…Address
The Old Vicarage Ambleside, Vicarage Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
015394 33364Ambleside
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds in central Ambleside. Onsite car parking, Swimming Pool, Sauna & Hot tub etc. Overlooking Rothay Park and tucked away from traffic noise.
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