Kim
19 February 2024
Ambleside is a bustling town that's right in the centre of the Lake District. Perfectly located for easy access to both the South Lakes and the North Lakes, and sitting at the top of Lake Windermere, it’s always a popular destination.
Whether you’re looking for a stroll around the shops, seeking out a bit of culture, or heading for the hills, we have compiled some of the best things to do in Ambleside. Whether you're heading to the Lake District on a romantic break or are planning a family holiday with lots of dog-friendly things to do, Ambleside makes a great base for exploring the national park.
Browse our collection of Ambleside holiday cottages and use this helpful guide to start planning your next Lake District getaway.
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Things to do in Ambleside
From relaxing boat trips across Lake Windermere to outdoor adventures and dog-friendly gardens, there are lots of things to do in Ambleside during a getaway to this lovely part of the Lake District. For more inspiration read our guide to the best dog-friendly things to do in Ambleside.
Bridge House
This quirky building that sits right above a small river is probably one of the most photographed in the whole Lake District! With just two rooms - one up and one down - it’s a teeny tiny property that has had a number of uses throughout the years, including being used as an apple store and a summer house. It’s now an information centre owned by the National Trust and you can visit to take a peek inside.
Ambleside garden centre
At first glance, a garden centre doesn’t seem like a top place to visit, but Hayes Garden World is really something special! It covers a huge area and sells all sorts of plants, garden furniture and lifestyle products, as well as boasting a wonderful tearoom. There are also regular immersive events throughout the year including popular Christmas grottos, children’s entertainment, and BBQ classes. Don’t forget to book ahead!
Adventure activities
Fancy something to get your adrenaline pumping? Well, you’re in luck with an assortment of indoor and outdoor adventure activities on offer! Ambleside Adventure operate out of a hub on Lake Road with a superb climbing wall, shop and cafe, or will take you out and about on adventures around the local area. Other adventure activities you can experience in and around Ambleside include ghyll scrambling, motor boating, rock climbing, kayaking, bushcraft, archery, and much, much more!
Boating on Windermere
Who could visit Ambleside without venturing onto spectacular Windermere? The crown of the national park, this lake is the longest in England and you can see it best by boat. There are options to hire your own, or you can relax on a cruise where you simply sit back and enjoy the views. A selection of routes allows you to explore the whole length, take in just a section, or hop on and off as you please. You can also purchase joint tickets for attractions all around the shore.
Stagshaw Garden
This tranquil National Trust garden has a lovely collection of flowers, shrubs and trees including rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. It’s partly on the steep bank of a hill, and includes wonderful characterful features such as a small river with mini waterfalls and views of Windermere. Spend some peaceful moments wandering along the rambling paths. Four-legged friends are welcome to join you at Stagshaw Gardens so a visit is a great dog-friendly thing to do in Ambleside.
History and culture
Ambleside is a Lake District town that's steeped in history. Uncover some of Ambleside's fascinating past with a visit to The Armitt Musuem and the remains of a Roman fort.
The Armitt Museum and Library
Image credit: Naik Media
Find a little peace and tranquillity at the Armitt Museum and Library, a wonderful spot that celebrates local history and nature. If you’re a fan of Beatrix Potter, you should visit to find out what she got up to when not writing her beloved children’s stories. Learn about her dedication to protecting the environment and admire her many fungi watercolours.
St Mary’s Church
There aren’t many churches in the Lake District that have a spire, but St Mary’s Church in Ambleside is one of them. Built in the Gothic style in the mid-1800s, it holds a number of fascinating features including an ancient sandstone font, beautiful stained-glass windows and carvings of northern saints. Whether you’re interested in architecture or are just after a moment’s peace, this is an ideal spot for a bit of quiet contemplation.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Free to enter and with some very clear remnants, Ambleside Roman Fort is a must-visit for any history lover. Right between Windermere and the River Rothay, the fort dates back to the 1st or 2nd century and is thought to have been originally named Galava.
Things to do in Ambleside in the rain
If it’s too wet to contemplate going outside, you can still find plenty of things to do. Ambleside Climbing Wall is small but mighty, with lots of interesting routes for all ages and abilities. Or you can brave the rain with an outdoor adventure on the rivers and lakes - you’re going to get wet anyway!
For more sedate activities, have a wander around the Armitt Museum and Library for tales of local history, or catch a film at Zeffirellis. Slightly further afield, step into the stories of a famous children’s author at the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness; get inspiration at Wordsworth’s family homes, Dove Cottage in Grasmere and Rydal Mount in Rydal; or take a fabulous coach tour around the national park with Mountain Goat.
Free things to do in Ambleside
If you’re looking to save the pennies, then you’ll want to find some free things to do in Ambleside. Fortunately, you’re in luck! Some of the town’s most popular attractions, such as Bridge House and Stock Ghyll Force, are completely free to visit.
But, the best free thing to do in the area has got to be one of the many walks. There are woodlands to explore, rivers to wander along, and mountains to climb. You could spend your whole stay wandering through the beautiful countryside.
Walks around Ambleside
From taking a stroll to a pretty waterfall that's close to the centre of town to exploring the surrounding Lakeland fell, there are plenty of lovely Ambleside walks to try.
Stock Ghyll Force
Ambleside waterfall, Stock Ghyll Force, is one of the best in the Lake District. The main falls stand at around 70 feet and once powered the mills of the town. Nowadays, it makes for a short, pleasant walk along wooded paths from the centre of town.
Borrans Park and Ambleside Roman Fort
The ruins of an impressive Roman fort are reached via an ancient Roman road from lovely Borrans Park. This is the perfect place for a stroll or a picnic with its open green spaces and spectacular lake views. And you’ll learn something at the ruins, too!
The Fairfield Horseshoe
There’s some excellent fell walking on offer from Ambleside and the Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the best - but only if you’re an experienced hiker. Dominating the skyline, it covers nearly 13 miles of glorious ridge walking with views for miles.
Wansfell Pike
Though steep, the path up Wansfell Pike is good and stone pitched for most of the way. The top offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of Ambleside, so you can admire this very pretty village from above while you take a breather.
The there-and-back-again hike up Wansfell Pike is relatively easy and poses no real navigational issues so makes a great afternoon walk that’s not overly challenging.
Places to eat in Ambleside
You’ll certainly be spoiled for choice with plenty of places to eat and drink in Ambleside. From waterside pubs and classy restaurants to buzzing bars and cosy cafes, there are lots of choices to keep you refreshed throughout the night and day! Favourites are sister restaurants Zeffirelli’s and Fellini’s. These award-winning eateries serve amazing pizza and fantastic vegetarian food, and there’s even a cinema on site!
Ambleside pubs
Nothing rounds off a day in the Lake District like a meal or a drink in a local pub. Ambleside has plenty to offer in that respect, with a huge amount of pubs of all different types and sizes. Most serve good food that will warm you up after a day on the fells. Or if you just fancy a pint, seek out The Golden Rule, a wet pub and a real hidden gem.
Try The Wateredge Inn for its lakeside beer garden or The Ambleside Tavern, which is a great place to relax and watch the football or enjoy a round of pool.
How to get to Ambleside
Ambleside is at the head of Windermere lake in the Central Lakes. It’s also a short distance from Rydal Water and Grasmere, in the area known as Wordsworth Country.The A591 passes through Ambleside between Keswick and Kendal, and the road is good, though winding and narrow in parts. The quickest route by car, if you’re travelling from the south, is to leave the M6 at Kendal and travel northwest on the A591. If you’re travelling from the north, turn off the motorway at Penrith instead, follow the A66 to to Keswick, and then the A591 to Ambleside.
Busses also run regularly along this route, and there are train stations at Penrith and Windermere - a great eco-friendly option for those using public transport. For something a little different, leave the train at Windermere, walk into Bowness, and catch a boat to Ambleside! Of all the locations in the Lake District, Ambleside is one of the easiest to access by public transport.
Where to stay in Ambleside
Find the perfect holiday property to provide the right backdrop for your Ambleside adventure, whether you plan to go boating, hiking or mountain climbing. Browse our collection of Ambleside cottages today, or take a look at our range of self-catering holiday cottages throughout the Lake District in places like Grasmere, Bowness-on-Windermere and Troutbeck..
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.