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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
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
This talk is centred on the Tales based around Sawrey and Hill Top. You may have read some of these…
The Old Courthouse Gallery is one of Cumbria’s premier destinations for buying contemporary art and…
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
Work out in our state of the art Techno Gym which includes treadmills, power plate, cross trainer,…
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace…
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of…
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
The Roman Fort of Galava in Ambleside, one of a series of fortified structures to protect the vital…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
Welcome to Herdy Ambleside – our newest, largest, and flagship store in the heart of the Lake…
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival…
Troutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of…
Brathay Hall is available to be hired for exclusive use, inclusive of our en-suite rooms, group…
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in…
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
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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
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
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
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
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
Borrans Park, Ambleside, Borrans Road, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0ENTelephone
01257 251217AMBLESIDE
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes place from Borrans Park, Waterhead. You can choose either the 750m, 1500m, 3k or 5k distances, depending upon your age and ability. Bring the family and…
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
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.
Address
Lower Gale, The Pencil Factory, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BDTelephone
015394 33777Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
Address
The Ambleside Inn, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 93333Ambleside
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a character befitting that long-standing heritage. Offering 29 comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, if…
Address
Skelwith Bridge, Langdale, Nr Ambelside, Cumbria, LA22 9NJNr Ambelside
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
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
Borrans Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ENAmbleside
The Roman Fort of Galava in Ambleside, one of a series of fortified structures to protect the vital trade routes through Cumbria, was built around AD79, and made use of a strategic position, protected on two sides by water.
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.
Address
Herdy Ambleside, 3 Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ADTelephone
01539 739202Ambleside
Welcome to Herdy Ambleside – our newest, largest, and flagship store in the heart of the Lake District. Inspired by the adorable Herdwick sheep that roam our surrounding fells, Herdy is a cheerful Lake District character brand created to celebrate…
Tourism For All
Address
Ambleside Parish Church, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
01539 266 200Ambleside
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival. Featuring a captivating blend of music, and world class performers and emerging artists, the Summer Festival takes place from 31 July to 9 August…
Address
Rothay Manor Hotel, Borrans Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EHTelephone
01539 433605Ambleside
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in individually designed bedrooms. Experience the epitome of luxury with modern bathrooms, plush dressing gowns, and premium amenities.
Tourism For All
Address
The Armitt Museum, Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
01539431212Ambleside
You may have walked the narrow pavements of Ambleside, exploring the various cafes, gift outlets and outdoor shops, but did you know that behind the main streets, you can find a fascinating history of the older town? Covering the story of…
Address
The Flying Fleece, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ANTelephone
015394 33384Ambleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
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