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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
More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake…
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds…
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in…
Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Wihan String Quartet | Trio Bohémo | Marcelo…
Just a short stroll from Ambleside’s bustling centre and only steps from the shores of Windermere,…
The Ambleside Tourist Information Centre sits within “The Crux of Ambleside” premises, which are…
Pay & Display. (NT members free) with 40 spaces. A great parking spot for a riverside amble or…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor Op.90 'Dumky' Reicha…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking…
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides…
Franck - Chorale No.2 in B minor M. 39 (arr. Corbett) Bach - Prelude & Fugue in C sharp BWV 848…
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run 23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes…
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
Established in 1887, F W Tyson have specialised in country and mountain footwear for the…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes…
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
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Number of results: 119
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
Waterhead, Ambleside, Lake District, LA22 9BUTelephone
07749248884Ambleside
Coast-to-coast 180 mile ultra triathlon.
Ambleside
Established in 1887, F W Tyson have specialised in country and mountain footwear for the connoisseur for over 120 years.
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Address
Brimstone Hotel & Spa, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38080Ambleside
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone Hotel and is reserved for adults only, and considered is one of the best spa’s in The Lake District. It is a place to relax and revive with seven…
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
Hejira is a seven piece band devoted to Joni Mitchell's extraordinary late 1970s work, drawing much of its repertoire from the iconic live album Shadows And Light.
Expect an uplifting evening featuring classics such as Amelia, Woodstock, A Case Of…
Address
Brantholme B&B Guest House In Ambleside The Lake District With Hot tub And Free Parking, Milans Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AGTelephone
015394 33974Ambleside
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away on a quiet lane just minutes from the village center. This owner-managed gem offers an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, featuring…
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.
Tourism For All
Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be off-putting for some. We know the roads and terrain here very well and can formulate routes to suit your aspirations.
Cumbria
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and down into the depths of Hodge Close.
Distance: 3.85 miles (6.2km).
Nearest Town: Ambleside.
Start Location: Tilberthwaite Car Park…
Address
Ambleside Townhouse, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DBTelephone
015394 33240Ambleside
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
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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.
Tourism For All
Address
The Armitt Museum, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
An A-Z of Beatrix Potter takes you on a journey through 26 key words and phrases drawn from Beatrix Potter's children's books, letters, journals and other writings via a selection of drawings, manuscripts, and other objects relating to her work and…
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
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
Rothay Park, Ambleside, 1 Vicarage Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DHTelephone
+447743093033Ambleside
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run
23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes in a Day but without so much of the navigation element or the high mountains? This half distance trail option takes you on a journey from the…Address
Stock Ghyll Force, 6 Stockghyll Ln, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QTAmbleside
Stock Ghyll Force is a 70-foot waterfall nestled in woodlands right in the heart of Ambleside - some call it Ambleside's best-kept secret!
Address
Zeffirellis, Zeffirellis, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ADTelephone
015394 338452 Compston Rd, Ambleside
Jordan Jackson is a critically acclaimed singer, pianist, and composer known for her poetic, soulful compositions and dynamic stage presence. Born in London and now based in Copenhagen, her music has earned her recognition worldwide, including…
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
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
-Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg and Silver How, at the entrance to Great Langdale.
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