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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Ambleside. Click for more details.
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two…
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
Bring your meeting or event to The Langdale Estate and enjoy a stunning Lake District location with…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's…
Stylish and sophisticated the Waterhead combines professional support and service with contemporary…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
We sit in the centre of Ambleside. Our family owned and run B&B provides a comfy base in this…
Parking spaces: General: 29, Disabled spaces: 3, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with…
Road biking is quite a thing here in the Lake District, but the undulating landscape can be…
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique…
Great Langdale, and its sister valley Little Langdale,sit side by side amongst the high dramatic…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
Offering superb Lake Views, large open green space, picnic tables and parking nearby, Borans Park…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Secretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 101
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Ambleside
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE will be available in cinemas nationwide for one week only.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be scaling rocks to reach the summit, learning new skills along the way and enjoying those hard earned views at the top.
Ambleside
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world class scenery coming as standard. We know loads of great routes throughout the district and to suit all abilities and expectations. This makes us well…
Ambleside
Macbeth is coming. A couple corrupted by their relentless lust for power have blood on their hands. Witness the gripping tale of greed, murder, deception, and superstition in cinemas for a limited time only. Once you cross the line, you can never…
Ambleside
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
417 reviewsAmbleside
Open seven days a week, the cafe provides the full range of refreshment choices throughout the day, from speciality coffees, full English breakfasts, all-day snacks, tasty lunches and very popular Afternoon Teas.
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden centre in the Lakes. Open seven days a week, the centre is the perfect place for all your gardening and outdoor needs. Our extensive online shop…
We offer a range of private group experiences near Ambleside, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsAMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviewsAmbleside
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…
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain's welfare state and created the NHS. This epic new Welsh fantasia is written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviewsAmbleside
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.
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