Ambleside

Travel Guide

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

This picturesque English town is an ideal base for exploring Lake Windermere and the spectacular Lake District National Park.

Ambleside is a pretty English town in the heart of Lake District National Park. The town’s attractions range from centuries-old architecture and waterfalls to scenic walks and watersport adventures. Ambleside dates back to medieval times when it thrived on the wool trading industry. It has since attracted writers, poets and enthusiasts of outdoor activities.

The town center is easy to navigate on foot. Wander quiet streets to find picturesque stone cottages and half-timbered houses. Several of the buildings are now pubs, guesthouses and souvenir shops. Among these is the 400-year-old Unicorn Inn, a good place to sample a traditional English pub lunch. Learn about the town’s history at Armitt Museum. Investigate 19th-century St. Mary’s Church and its chapel dedicated to the poet, William Wordsworth.

Enjoy some of the many short walks from the town center. One leads to Stock Ghyll Force, an impressive 70-foot-tall (21-meter) waterfall. Visit in spring, when a carpet of daffodils appears beneath the surrounding trees. Look for the 17th-century Bridge House, once used as storage for produce from an orchard. Another walk leads to the striking Stagshaw Garden. This woodland garden bursts to life in summer with blooms of colorful azaleas, bluebells and rhododendrons.

Hike or bike the Kirkstone Pass to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District National Park. The pass connects Ambleside with nearby Patterdale. Admire sweeping views of mountain valleys, rolling hills and sprawling lakes.

Enjoy watersport activities on Lake Windermere, England’s biggest natural lake. Join a steamboat cruise from Waterhead Pier, a 15-minute walk from the town center. Rent a kayak to explore the lake or take wakeboarding and waterskiing lessons. Scattered around the lake are historic sites, too, such as the ruins of the ancient Roman fort of Galava.

Get to Ambleside by flying to Manchester International Airport and then rent a car to reach your destination. Ambleside is a year-round destination. Each season offers a different perspective of the town’s exceptional surrounding countryside.

Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, World Hotel Distinctive
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, World Hotel Distinctive
4 out of 5
Lake Road, Ambleside, England
$250 nightly
The price is $300 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$300 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ambleside. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (816 reviews)
"Great stay in one of the loft rooms, staff were very helpful and the room itself was clean and spacious. Breakfast was also great, lots of choice and tasted good"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, World Hotel Distinctive
The Daffodil Hotel
The Daffodil Hotel
4 out of 5
Keswick Road, Grasmere, Ambleside, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$208 nightly
The price is $250 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$250 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ambleside. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (589 reviews)
"Can’t fault"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

The Daffodil Hotel
The Temperance Inn, Ambleside. The Inn Collection Group
The Temperance Inn, Ambleside. The Inn Collection Group
3 out of 5
33 Lake Road, Ambleside, England
$129 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$155 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star inn in Ambleside. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (196 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

The Temperance Inn, Ambleside. The Inn Collection Group
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Paradise in the Lake District.
Paradise in the Lake District.
Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Ambleside. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Skelwith Force are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
Walkers’ paradise
"A different day a different walk straight from the door. Just what we wanted! Beauty all around, on the doorstep. Swim in a gorgeous tarn 10 mins walk away. And when you need some R & R there’s a well equipped kitchen and a comfy bed in v tranquil setting, listening to the resident owl. Thank so ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Paradise in the Lake District.
Bluehill Cottage, Central Ambleside, Stunning Views dedicated parking for 1 car
Bluehill Cottage, Central Ambleside, Stunning Views dedicated parking for 1 car
Ambleside
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ambleside. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Ambleside Climbing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (61 reviews)
Short stay in June
"A lovely property in the heart of the lakes. Perfect position for hiking and walking to Ambleside town."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Bluehill Cottage, Central Ambleside, Stunning Views dedicated parking for 1 car
Weirside Bunkhouse is situated in the beautiful Langdale valley at Chapel Stile.
Weirside Bunkhouse is situated in the beautiful Langdale valley at Chapel Stile.
Ambleside
Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Allan Bank are located nearby.
Fabulous Accommodation
"We hired the bunkhouse for two nights of birthday celebrations and walking. Great location with stunning walks right outside the door. Wainwright’s Inn is a few steps away, as is the co-op with its little cafe upstairs. I hope to make our stay an annual event. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2024

Weirside Bunkhouse is situated in the beautiful Langdale valley at Chapel Stile.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ambleside

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
16
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Nabil

Charming small village which a lot of scenic routes starts from. We hiked up a fell, had dinner and a movie date and explored the city all in one day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Would definitely visit there again but would need a lot more time to explore it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quaint little town with easy access to the Lake District and good restaurants and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place, small but buzzing with local shops and restaurants. Also fairly central in the Lake District with easy drives to Grasmere and Windemere

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very quaint, central location.

5/5 - Excellent

Craig

I can't wait to go back.

Cities near Ambleside