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.
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'.
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!
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?
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.- 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 Struggle’ aptly describes the steep ascent out of Ambleside to the Kirkstone Inn, one of the highest hostelries in the UK.
- Although unrecognised in his lifetime, Schwitters is now recognised as a master of collages and abstract assemblages.
- William Green was a fine draughtsman and engraver who lived in Ambleside from 1800 to 1823. He produced renowned accurate representations of Lakeland landscapes and buildings.
- Herbert Bell’s photographic studies of local landscapes, architecture and working life in the Lake District are an invaluable record of social history.
Highlights
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
The impressive Brathay Hall is set in 360 acres of mature woodland and rolling pasture at the head…
Walk, scramble or climb with The Lakes Mountaineer. Families: Give the family an adventure you are…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of…
A mock-gothic Castle, on the western shore of Windermere. Empty of original furniture, this is a…
Follow the lane behind Barclays Bank in Ambleside Village to reach the falls. About 1 mile…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
Standing on the slipway at Waterhead Bay on Lake Windermere the Regent Hotel offers you a warm…
Blacks is a leading outdoor high street retailer for all your adventurous needs. From camping, to…
A fabulous new trail race held in association with the Ambleside 50k. The course takes in 25km of…
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers…
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House…
Right in the centre of the Lake District lies the valley of Langdale. Meaning 'long valley', this…
Choose your valley, choose your mountain(s) and we can guide you there, with interesting local…
Troutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of…
Want something fun and a little bit different this holiday? Try something new and exciting in the…
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing,…
Open 7 days a week including bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Parking spaces: General: 48, Disabled…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
As the A591 winds its way north from Ambleside to Keswick it passes close to the shores of Rydal…
The impressive Brathay Hall is set in 360 acres of mature woodland and rolling pasture at the head…
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 99
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ambleside
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
Address
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
015394 33041Ambleside
The impressive Brathay Hall is set in 360 acres of mature woodland and rolling pasture at the head of Windermere, with our stunning location the perfect base for your walking or cycling adventure, or simply as a peaceful starting point for families…
Walk, scramble or climb with The Lakes Mountaineer.
Families: Give the family an adventure you are sure to remember. Choose from three different days designed for kids of different ages: rock climbing; abseiling; scrambling; navigation (disguised…
Address
Wateredge Inn, Waterhead Bay, 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
Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JATelephone
015394 33250Ambleside
A mock-gothic Castle, on the western shore of Windermere. Empty of original furniture, this is a place for all the family to enjoy. Join a guided tour to learn more about the castle's colourful history.
Address
Stockghyll Brow, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXAmbleside
Follow the lane behind Barclays Bank in Ambleside Village to reach the falls. About 1 mile roundtrip. Multiple fall of 90ft in woodland with clear paths and bridges.
Ambleside
Standing on the slipway at Waterhead Bay on Lake Windermere the Regent Hotel offers you a warm welcome.
AMBLESIDE
ROBERT MURRAY – TENOR
MARTIN ROSCOE – PIANO
ECHÉA STRING QUARTETVaughan Williams Linden Lea, Orpheus & his Lute, Silent Noon
Vaughan Williams String Quartet in G minor
McDowall Three Songs after Schubert
Bussey The Windhover
Vaughan…Address
11 Market Cross, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BTTelephone
01539 760197Ambleside
Blacks is a leading outdoor high street retailer for all your adventurous needs. From camping, to cycling, to climbing, hiking and more, you can get equipped at Blacks for wherever your adventures take you.
Address
Rothay Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
01539439749Ambleside
A fabulous new trail race held in association with the Ambleside 50k.
The course takes in 25km of stunning Lake District scenery passing through Little Langdale, Elterwater and Chapel Stile and Langdale.
Address
Market Place, 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…
Address
Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 32500Ambleside
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Ambleside. Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, World Heritage site.
Address
Elterwater Hostel, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HXTelephone
01653 740 400Ambleside
Right in the centre of the Lake District lies the valley of Langdale. Meaning 'long valley', this pristine landscape is an exceptional walking destination perfect for exploration, whether you're keen on walking high or low. There are dozens of…
Address
Choose your valley, choose your mountain(s) and we can guide you there, with interesting local facts along the way. Our guides know the valleys and mountains of The Lake District like the back of their hands and are always keen to share their…
Ambleside
Want something fun and a little bit different this holiday? Try something new and exciting in the adventure playground of the Lake District. Take it at your own pace and make your time with us as action packed or relaxing as you want.
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, archery, team building, raft building, bushcraft, and hill walking. We offer private group bookings in South Lakes Cumbria,…
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.
AMBLESIDE
Haydn String Quartet in G Op.54, No.1
Beamish Reed Stanzas
Beethoven String Quartet in A minor Op.132The Elias Quartet have quickly established themselves as one of the most intense and vibrant quartets of their generation. Exuberance and…
Ambleside
Established in 1887, F W Tyson have specialised in country and mountain footwear for the connoisseur for 121 years.
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