Ambleside

Ambleside is a town in Cumbria. It is located at the head of Windermere, England’s largest lake, within the Lake District National Park.

Boats at Ambleside. Jetty for steamers in the background.

Get in

Ambleside is an easy bus trip from Windermere and you can also catch a boat from various destinations on Lake Windermere.

Get around

Ambleside is a small village so most places can be visited by walking around.

See

• The Armitt Library and Museum. Provides a fascinating source of local history. 
• Stock Ghyll Force. Spectacular 70-foot waterfall 
• Bridge House. 17th-century structure over Stock Ghyll, now used as an information centre for the national Trust. 
• Homes of Football, 100 Lake Road, ☏ +44 15394 34440. Weekdays 10AM – 2PM (guaranteed, will sometimes stay open later). Weekends 10:30AM – 4:30PM. Exhibition of photographs by Stuart Clarke, taken at football matches or football-related events all around the world. A fascinating insight into football culture. Strongly recommended.  
• 1 Wray Castle, Low Wray, LA22 0JA (4 miles south of Ambleside), ☏ +44 15394 33250, wraycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.  
• 2 Hill Top (Home of Beatrix Potter), Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, LA22 0LF (7 miles south of Ambleside), ☏ +44 15394 36269, hilltop@nationaltrust.org.uk. Home of the creator of Peter Rabbit, timed slots are available to book  

Do

• Feed the swans near the jetty.

• Zeffirelli's is an independent cinema at 2 Compston Rd in town centre, with a restaurant.
• Stock Ghyll Force. 
• 1 Nab Cottage - Experiential English courses, Rydal, LA229SD Ambleside, ☏ +44 15394-35311, tim@nabcottage.com. Nab Cottage is an English language school in the Lake District where students and teachers live and study together in a 15th century farm house. Courses may be combined with yoga, walking or personal development. (updated Oct 2016)

Sleep

• 1 Waterhead, Lake Road, ☏ +44 15394 32566. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 4-star townhouse boutique hotel. £56.50-£113 pppn. 
• The Drunken Duck Inn, ☏ +44 15394 36347, info@drunkenduckinn.co.uk. Barngates, Tariff £90 upwards. 
• 2 Nanny Brow, Clappersgate, Ambleside LA22 9NF (on A593), ☏ +44 15394 33232. Pleasant B&B in Arts & Crafts house 5 miles from Ambleside. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £130. (updated Aug 2020)
• 3 Rothay Manor, Rothay Bridge, Ambleside LA22 0EH, ☏ +44 1539 433605. Hotel in 19th-century building a short walk from town, great comfort and dining. Open Feb-Dec. B&B double £170. (updated Jul 2020)
• 4 Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale LA22 9JY, ☏ +44 1539 437272. Walkers' refuge and dog-friendly inn up at the head of Great Langdale, open all year. B&B double £60. (updated Aug 2020)

Go next

• Rydal Mount – home of William Wordsworth