Best Things to do in Ambleside & nearby – including Ambleside Walks, Attractions and Places to Eat
Smaller than Keswick, Windermere and Bowness, Ambleside is a great option for a quieter Lake District trip, and we have put together a list of the best things to do in Ambleside and nearby. Whether you are here for an outdoor Lake District adventure, a day trip or a family holiday, there is plenty to keep everyone content in this quaint and picturesque town.
Ambleside has developed things to do, even when the weather is not appealing, which is only part of its charm. It is worth noting that the UNESCO World Heritage Lake District, England’s largest National Park, is one of the wettest places in England. You can have spells of great weather. Regardless, its beauty is arguably as good as anywhere in the United Kingdom, and there are plenty of things to do in Ambleside when it’s raining too. Ambleside also has several great outdoor shops, pubs and wonderful places to eat.
The Lake District has got many of the best walks in the UK, including the number 1 top walk spot – Helvellyn, as voted by the British public. In fact, 3 of the walks in the top 10 are all accessible from Ambleside, which of course means that walking is one of the best things to do in Ambleside. Within an easy distance are the Fairfield Horseshoe, Scarfell, Helvellyn and the Old Man of Coniston.
You do not have to do these ‘top’ walks to get unbelievable vistas, though there are so many magical routes that are much lower and shorter, yet you can still experience the true beauty of the Lake District. It is easy to understand how writers, such as Wordsworth and Potter and painters, felt inspired when you walk around. The scenery and rural surroundings make it so unique.
How to get to Ambleside
Ambleside is in the South Lakes, and you can arrive by car via the A591 on the M6. Alternatively, you can reach Ambleside by public transport by getting the train to Windermere (the closest station) major cities, such as Manchester, and then catching the bus service to Ambleside. The buses are regular, and you can catch the 555 services and the 599 services. You can find the timetables here.
Parking in Ambleside
It is not always easy to park in Ambleside, as it can get hectic at the weekends and in the school holidays due to its popularity. There are minimal spaces on the roads, so limited you probably won’t see any and the rest are pay and display.
Rydal Road Car Park Postcode: LA22 9AY
Lake Road Car Park
Low Fold Car Park
Miller Bridge Car Park
King Street Car Park
Waterhead car park postcode LA22 0ES
- Up to 1 hour: £1.80
- 1 to 2 hours: £3.20
- 2 to 3 hours: £4.20
- 3 to 4 hours: £5.40
- 4 to 6 hours: £6.60
- 6 to 12 hours: £8.00
- Up to 3 days: £17.50
- Up to 7 days: £34.00
The cost is payable by phone, card and coins.
Good to know: there is a Park & Explore ticket which costs £18.00 for the bus & Parking for up to 5 people.
Best Time to go to Ambleside
Arguably, the best time to go to Ambleside is May (before the school holidays). The weather is mild, the summer tourists have not yet arrived, and the woodlands and fields are littered with bluebells. It is something spectacular. It is similar to the heather season in the Peak District – the colours are inspiring.
Be prepared for all weather types, even in the summer. Remember, if you visit off-season, you will be rewarded with lower prices – but colder weather!
In July, Ambleside holds its Rushbearing Festival; in August, you can attend the traditional Ambleside Sports Festival; and in November, you can attend the Ambleside Christmas Lights and Firework Display. If you cannot make these, do not worry, there are still plenty of great things to do in Ambleside.
13 Best Things to do in Ambleside
There is no such thing as a bad day in Ambleside, and this list of the best things to do in Ambleside will have you covered whether it is raining or a beautiful day.
Step back in time Ambleside Roman Fort
You can visit the Roman fort of Galava – an archaeological site founded in the 1st century. The National Trust manages the site, and you can learn about the violent past of the fort when you visit. You can see the remains of the headquarters, main gate and south gate and it is open every day of the year.
Cost: Free
Ambleside Walks
If you are in the Lake District, you will likely go on at least one hike. Luckily, many leave from Ambleside town, such as The Old Man of Coniston, Rydal, Helvellyn, and Grasmere – to name a few. Please read our guide to the best Ambleside Walks for some inspiration.
Enjoy Hayes Garden World
A popular rainy day Ambleside attraction is Hayes Garden World is the place to come to see many different plants and products. It is a family-run garden centre that has been in the same spot for over 200 years. There is a tea room too, which has an excellent reputation.
Cost: free to enter and free to park
Admire The National Trust Owned Bridge House
Dating back to the 17th-century, Bridge House over the Stock Beck (the tiny house) is one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. It was constructed from a local slate and has had many different uses over the years. There was a family of 8 that once lived in the small space. You have got to see it to believe it!
Cost: Free
Learn at Armitt Museum and Library
In 1909, Mary Louisa Armitt founded the museum to preserve the intellectual element of the town. She was a writer and a philanthropist, and in the museum, you can see some exhibits from Beatrix Potter. She was one of the first supporters of the museum.
Opening Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm (including bank holidays)
Cost: Adults – £6, Students – £4, Children (under 16) – free
Challenge yourself at Ambleside Climbing Wall
Is it a rainy day, and you’re craving an outdoor adventure? Do not worry. Head to the Ambleside Climbing wall for your fix. It boasts several different levelled routes, helpful staff and an excellent Café Altitude. So, whether you want to try for the first time or if you’re going to try out your skills, you can head here to have fun.
Cost: From £7.50 (students) and £12 to climb the unsupervised main wall.
Browse Ambleside Shops
There are many shops in Ambleside, especially if you are after outdoor stores. These include favourites such as Trespass, The Mountain Factor, Gaynor Sports, The Epicentre, Rohan and Alpkit (amongst others). There are also many independent stores to discover. Browsing the shops is one of the best things to do in Ambleside.
Join in the lively atmosphere at Ambleside Pubs
Ambleside is not as lively as its neighbours Bowness and Windermere. However, that does not mean that that it is not as fun. Ambleside can be a vibrant place to drink (at least on the weekends) with a friendly atmosphere in its pubs and beer gardens. Try the Stockport Beer Hellier at Tap Yard (they serve wood fire pizza too) and then discover others on an Ambleside Pub Crawl, one of the best things to do in Ambleside.
Chase waterfalls at Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force is a 70m high waterfall short walk from the centre of Ambleside. The walk is well-signposted from the town and an easy walk through the woodland towards viewing platforms. It is worth seeing the falls from both sides due to the tremendous scale and beauty of the gushing falls.
Read our handy guide about how to find Ambleside waterfalls here.
Cost: Free
Sit back and relax at the Cinemas
Ambleside boasts three cinemas. Yes, you read that correctly. For such a small town, a lot is going on. They have showings daily, so if it’s raining, watch a film to escape the wet weather. Zeffirelli’s shows the popular movies, whereas Fellinis is artier, showing ballet and opera live productions. Take your pick – they both have adjoining restaurants too.
Appreciate Borrans Park
To the west of Waterhead, you will find Borrans park, a spot to relax in front of Windermere and surrounded by the fells. It is known to be the place to come if you fancy a picnic and is one of the more relaxing things to do in Ambleside.
Cost: Free
Tuck in at one of the great places to Eat in Ambleside
Ambleside is fortunate to be home to several incredible eateries. From a hearty breakfast at the Stiles Café to a yummy and plentiful Thai meal at Jintana Thai (try the Pad Thai), delicious pizza and trendy boutique bars. There is something for everyone and that is why trying the local places is one of the best things to do in Ambleside.
There is also the famous Emma’s bakery and the Apple Pie Café if you’re after some local favourites!
Admire St Mary’s Church
Finished in 1854, St Mary’s Church is one of the only churches in the Lake District with a spire, and it is built of sandstone. It was built in the early gothic style and is known for its stained glass windows and a chapel dedicated to Wordsworth! People come from far and wide to admire the church, which is why it is one of the best things to do in Ambleside.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
8 Best Things to do near Ambleside
Taste Gingerbread at Grasmere
Have you ever wondered where Gingerbread comes from? The answer was here in Grasmere in the Lake District in 1854. You can buy some of the sweet-spiced treats in the shop here today. They sell gingerbread ice cream too, and if you cannot make it, you can get some delivered worldwide!
Opening Hours: 9:15 am – 5:30 pm.
Catch a Boat at Lake Windermere
It is true what they say; you cannot go to Ambleside and the Lake District and not visit the largest natural lake in England – Windermere. Some say that the best way to experience the grand Lake Windermere is to hop on a boat. You can go on a self-drive boat or a rowing boat, which has become increasingly popular, or you can get on a ferry at the stop in Ambleside at Waterhead Pier. Either way, you’re bound to have a fabulous time. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do around Ambleside.
The Yellow Cruise costs £13.70 for adults, $6.90 for children, and a 90-minute return journey.
Meander to William Wordsworth’s Grave and Daffodil Garden
You can visit the Grave of William Wordsworth in St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. It is one of the most visited literary graves worldwide. He lies with his wife Mary and near his sister and children. Even with no daffodils in bloom, it is peaceful to walk through and appreciate the imprinted slabs.
Discover Rydal Mount – William Wordsworth’s Home
You can visit Wordsworth’s 16th-century home, where he lived for 37 years from 1813 until his death. Interestingly, the garden is an excellent example of a Romantic style garden, and the poet landscaped it himself. It is also still owned by his direct descendants, which is pretty impressive. If you visit, you can expect to see his possessions, his library and see the ‘writing hut’.
Voyage back in time at Rydal Hall, Gardens, and Waterfall
Set over 30 acres, Rydal Hall is a popular spot to visit near Ambleside. It was built in the 16th-century and was home to the Le Fleming family. You can see the formal gardens designed in 1909, the waterfalls and the viewing house of a Grade II Listed building (the Grott) below the lower fall.
They also have glamping pods, cottages, a campsite and a bunkhouse if you want to stay over. We loved the campfire situation here and the Old Schoolroom Tea Shop!
The garden is free to enter, but donations of £3 per adult are welcome.
Pay literary homage at the Beatrix Potter Gallery.
Take the B5286 from Ambleside to Beatrix Potter Gallery. It is an attraction for anyone who the charming characters have inspired in her works. Here, you will see original illustrations and understand why she loved the Lake District in a 17th-century building that was once her husband’s office.
Cost: Adult – £8.00, Children – £4.50, Family – £20.00
Relax at one of Grasmere’s Coffee Shops
There is nothing like being surrounded by the fells and enjoying a coffee break. You are spoilt for choice in Grasmere, but a good option is Matildas to admire the art in the gallery and have a delicious cake and coffee. Or try Greens Café, which also has a fabulous reputation.
Voyage back in time at Wray Castle
Accessible by boat and car, you can visit Wray Castle, a National Trust owned Gothic castle that was once a luxurious country home in the 1840s. As it stands proudly on the lake, it has a beautiful setting and today, you can tour the castle on a voyage back in time, and there are many activity rooms for families.
Cost: Free to enter/Parking fees apply.
Opening Times: Castle: 10:30 – 16:00, Grounds: 09:00 – 18:00
That is a wrap on the 20 best things to do in Ambleside. The Lake District is such a beautiful spot and there are so many things to see and do that we cannot wait to return. Have you ever been? What is your favourite thing to do there?
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
