Things to do in Ambleside

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ambleside showing night scenes, a small town or village and street scenes
Church of St Mary which includes night scenes and a church or cathedral
Ambleside which includes a river or creek, a small town or village and heritage architecture
Ambleside showing a river or creek and a small town or village
Rydal Mount which includes a park and a house

Ambleside Attractions

There are opportunities for fun everywhere you look in Ambleside. From exhilarating excursions to impressive tourist attractions, this captivating small city has it all. Ready to begin planning your itinerary?

Explore the best sights in Ambleside with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {61 fun activities in Ambleside fun activities in Ambleside}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and focus on planning an unforgettable vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Ambleside

Tours & day trips

See all 47 activities
Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $105 per adult
Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train RideOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 22 activities
Ten Lakes Tour - Full Day - Up to 4 People

Ten Lakes Tour - Full Day - Up to 4 People

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $581 per traveler*
Ten Lakes Tour - Full Day - Up to 4 PeopleOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 6 activities
Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside

Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside

Activity duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $24 per adult
Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and AmblesideOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities
Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

Activity duration is 9 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $78 per adult
Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from LiverpoolOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 5 activities
Lake District Day Trip by Train with Lake Windermere Cruise & Cream Tea

Lake District Day Trip by Train with Lake Windermere Cruise & Cream Tea

Activity duration is 13 hours
5.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $432 per adult
Lake District Day Trip by Train with Lake Windermere Cruise & Cream TeaOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Ambleside

Number of things to do
61
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Northern Lake District: Self Guided Walking Tour of Keswick: $8
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Ambleside

Free Things to Do in Ambleside

There's no need to max out your credit card in Ambleside. The following won't even cost a cent.

Faeryland - Expect to get wet and have a ball with the whole family.

Dora's Field - Swing by this historic attraction and learn a bit about the area's cultural heritage.

Skelwith Force - Close your eyes and take a deep breath — nothing beats being close to the water for some peace and calm.

Church of St Mary - Mix a little spirituality into your trip by visiting this holy site.

Wansfell Pike - Unwind and let the natural surroundings here calm your soul.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ambleside? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ambleside

Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water

Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water

You can learn about the history of Grasmere with a trip to Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water
Rydal Mount showing a house and interior views

Rydal Mount

Wander through the picturesque grounds of Wordsworth’s family home and imagine how the views of lakes inspired him to write.

Rydal Mount
Dove Cottage which includes a garden, a house and heritage elements

Dove Cottage

Visit the 17th-century house where William Wordsworth lived for almost a decade and wrote some of his most celebrated works.

Dove Cottage
Ambleside showing a lake or waterhole and boating

Ambleside Pier

Enjoy views of England’s largest lake, cruise the waters on a steamer and by rowboat and ride a horse-drawn carriage into a historic village.

Ambleside Pier
Not a very old castle, only built in 1840 and now owned by the national trust. The castle overlooks Windermere.

Wray Castle

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Wray Castle in Ambleside. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Wray Castle
The beautiful Tarn Hows, a group of three tarns that we’re joined together to make one. Stunning walk wheelchair and pushchair friendly with amazing views especially when the sun shines

Tarn Hows

Explore the great outdoors at Tarn Hows, a lovely green space in Ambleside. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Tarn Hows
Across the lake to Heron Pike.

Rydal Water

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rydal Water during your travels in Ambleside. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this quaint area.

Rydal Water
Church of St Mary which includes night scenes and a church or cathedral

Church of St Mary

Enjoy the serene ambiance in this charming lakeside church, peruse the intricate stained-glass windows and learn about medieval traditions.

Church of St Mary

Grizedale Forest

Explore the great outdoors at Grizedale Forest, a lovely green space in Hawkshead. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside and enjoy its lively bars.

Grizedale Forest

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Ambleside

Grasmere showing street scenes, a house and a small town or village

Grasmere

Keswick showing markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Keswick

Windermere showing heritage architecture, cafe scenes and signage

Windermere

Penrith

Penrith

Bowness-on-Windermere which includes street scenes, a small town or village and signage

Bowness-on-Windermere

Church of St Mary which includes night scenes and a church or cathedral

Hawkshead

Photo by Rob B66

Langdale

Photo by Brian Thompson

Little Langdale

Frequently asked questions

Is Ambleside worth visiting?
Providing a blend of walking trails and views, there's no shortage of things to do in Ambleside. While you're here, visit Beatrix Potter Gallery, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ambleside?
Start your adventures with a visit to Bowness Pier and Treetop Trek. Then, tour different areas of Ambleside for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ambleside?
Don't go home without visiting Beatrix Potter Gallery, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ambleside.
Is three days enough to stay in Ambleside?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Beatrix Potter Gallery, Old Laundry Theatre and Treetop Trek with a three-day escape to Ambleside. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Windermere.
Is Ambleside a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Ambleside. Several top attractions, including Treetop Trek and Skelwith Force, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Ambleside's neighborhoods, Limefitt Park is 3 miles away from downtown, while High Wray is 3 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ambleside with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Ambleside with kids.

What to do in Ambleside for adults?
Grasmere Garden Village and Wordsworth Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Ambleside. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ambleside?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Ambleside is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.