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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'.
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
'The best of the seventies brought to 2023'' is what TOTO guitarist and singer Steve Lukather came…
As the A591 winds its way north from Ambleside to Keswick it passes close to the shores of Rydal…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
Great Langdale, and its sister valley Little Langdale,sit side by side amongst the high dramatic…
Walk, scramble or climb with The Lakes Mountaineer. Families: Give the family an adventure you are…
Our traditional Lakeland property welcomes groups of up to 16 in the main house and four in the…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Created from an original Lakeland Stone townhouse, each room is individually styled with no room…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
The Langdale Estate is a magical place for your wedding. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Pay & Display. (NT members free) with 40 spaces. A great parking spot for a riverside amble or…
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the…
A hands-on back massage lesson for you to learn an effective back massage routine, and to…
Capture life's most important adventures on a guided walking tour with unbeatable photographic and…
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of…
The Windermere One Way Swim starts at beautiful and sheltered Fell Foot Park at the southern end of…
Capture life's most important adventures on a guided walking tour with unbeatable photographic and…
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 104
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Address
Zeffirellis, Millans Park, Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Compston Road, Ambleside
'The best of the seventies brought to 2023'' is what TOTO guitarist and singer Steve Lukather came up with when he heard the music of TRISTAN!
JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL WITH TRISTAN
Dutch five-piece Tristan's music can be best described as feel-good…
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…
Tourism For All
Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
Tourism For All
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
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HYTelephone
015394 32277Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Tourism For All
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…
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…
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
Old Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DJTelephone
07810 803 415Ambleside
Our traditional Lakeland property welcomes groups of up to 16 in the main house and four in the adjoining apartment. Nestled in the heart of Ambleside in a quiet location, we offer stunning Fell views, as well as private parking. Packed with…
Tourism For All
Address
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
01539431212Ambleside
An immersive afternoon workshop for the whole family. Meet Leah Boden and Lynn Seddon as they lead you through beautiful books, practical crafts, and an inspiring talk to help you and your family get the most of your time in nature.
Address
Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
01539438014Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
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Address
Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33174Ambleside
Created from an original Lakeland Stone townhouse, each room is individually styled with no room the same shape or size, but each as comfortable and pleasing as the next!
Tourism For All
Address
Elterwater Hostel, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HXTelephone
015394 37245Ambleside
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the heart of the Langdale Valley in the English Lake District.
Tourism For All
Address
Lake Road, Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ERTelephone
01539 432566Ambleside
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from Windermere. The Waterhead Inn is the perfect place to return to after a long day’s walking or exploring, whether you rest your head in one of our cosy double…
Tourism For All
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.
Tourism For All
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, Church St, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BTTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
A thrilling encounter with one of the world's great art capitals.
Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige…
Address
Brathay Hall, B5286, Clappersgate, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9EETelephone
0800 086 2644Clappersgate, Ambleside
A hands-on back massage lesson for you to learn an effective back massage routine, and to experience lots of massage in the process.
Perfect if you want to be able to provide home treatments to your partner, friends or family, or if you are…
Address
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
+447738077710Ambleside
The Windermere One Way Swim starts at beautiful and sheltered Fell Foot Park at the southern end of Windermere. Swimmers start individually from 06:45. From here, the epic 11-mile swim takes you to the finish at the northern tip of the lake at…
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…
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