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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.
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Carmen declares that any man she loves should beware. However, even she is unprepared for what will…
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked…
The triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive…
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to…
Between Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
Learn how to massage in the Lakes. Workshops include couple's massage tutorials and deep tissue…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world…
We sit in the centre of Ambleside. Our family owned and run B&B provides a comfy base in this…
Multi payment option car park both pre and post parking. Payment can be made online. 60 spaces.
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
Follow the lane behind Barclays Bank in Ambleside Village to reach the falls. About 1 mile…
Parking spaces: General: 29, Disabled spaces: 3, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with…
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
The Waterhead Inn is located an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, just a stones throw from…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Compston Road, Ambleside
Prepare for an unforgettable night of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2024 comes to life!
Join us on a journey through the world's most breathtaking landscapes with a selection of award winning films showcasing the year's most daring feats of…
Ambleside
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.
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
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
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
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
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…
Ambleside
Learn how to massage in the Lakes. Workshops include couple's massage tutorials and deep tissue back massage lessons Acquire new healing skills and enjoy receiving massage in the process.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviewsAmbleside
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.
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
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
102 reviewsAmbleside
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
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
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and obsession that was also the first book to introduce the sport to a general audience, beyond the mountainous north-west. Some say fell running hasn't been…
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
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…
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…
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
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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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL