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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'.
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?
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
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from…
Pay & Display. (NT members free) with 40 spaces. A great parking spot for a riverside amble or…
Bring your meeting or event to The Langdale Estate and enjoy a stunning Lake District location with…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace…
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
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Number of results: 86
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Ambleside
A warm welcome awaits at our small friendly guest house. Comfortable en-suite rooms with a hearty breakfast. A central base for walking or touring. Free parking and WiFi. Discounted mid-week breaks available.
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Address
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BXTelephone
015394 32244Ambleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer abseiling throughout the Lake District, all venues are stunningly beautiful and offer different abseil lengths so we can pick a venue to suit you best.
Address
The Temperance Inn, 33 Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BHTelephone
015394 33192Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
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Address
Skelwith Bridge, Langdale, Nr Ambelside, Cumbria, LA22 9NJNr Ambelside
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
Cumbria
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, woodland, isolated hillside farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly…
Address
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HYTelephone
015394 32277Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
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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.
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
Address
Stock Ghyll Cark Park, Rydal Road Car Park LA22 9AY, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AYTelephone
+447761582675Ambleside
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the Lake District's most iconic ridge walks. This full mountain circuit from Ambleside offers exceptional views, steady ascents, and a memorable day on…
Address
Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HPTelephone
015394 33041Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
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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…
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Address
Old Courthouse Gallery, Market Pl, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BUTelephone
015394 32022Ambleside
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a fantastic collection of art & crafts by some amazing artists, many of them local to the area.
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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…
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Address
Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 33845Ambleside
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…
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