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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.
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE will be available in…
Outdoor Mobility - Tramper hire in Langdale. One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an…
Parking spaces: 210, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with consideration, No height…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this…
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
The Ambleside Tourist Information Centre sits within “The Crux of Ambleside” premises, which are…
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central…
Cutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in…
Carmen declares that any man she loves should beware. However, even she is unprepared for what will…
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
Restaurant located in the former work place of William Wordsworth, serving food inspired by…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ambleside
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?
Ambleside
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…
Church St, Ambleside
Restaurant located in the former work place of William Wordsworth, serving food inspired by Cumbria, specialising in Cumbrian sourced produce.
Ambleside
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris Routledge. Walking around with the idea of taking photographs can change the way we see and you'll get expert advice on composition and tips on how to…
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
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…
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and Harrison Ward will share their stories about how getting out into the fells – running, swimming, walking – have helped them to push through times of…
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
A charming Victorian house, carefully converted and quietly tucked away in it's own wooded grounds in central Ambleside. Onsite car parking, Swimming Pool, Sauna & Hot tub etc. Overlooking Rothay Park and tucked away from traffic noise.
Ambleside
Carmen declares that any man she loves should beware. However, even she is unprepared for what will happen when she decides to seduce Don José, an army corporal who initially appears uninterested in her charms. Don José soon abandons his sweetheart…
Ambleside
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Ambleside. Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, World Heritage site.
Ambleside
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two thousand years ago this was far from the case.
Recent work at the site by Trimontium Trust and Edinburgh University have brought to light a number…
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's toughest rowing race – an unsupported, 3,000 nautical mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands to Nelson's…
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Compston Road, Ambleside
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE will be available in cinemas nationwide for one week only.
Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the…
Ambleside
We sit in the centre of Ambleside. Our family owned and run B&B provides a comfy base in this beautiful World Heritage site. We received a silver award from Green Tourism in 2018 for sustainability, promoting Fairtrade and local products.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
141 reviewsAmbleside
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at Ambleside Parish Church.
Ambleside
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL