Travel Guide to… Ambleside

Ambleside is a gorgeous gateway village that is perched on the edge of Lake Windermere surrounded by beautiful Lake District fells. With the ease of access to fell walking and wild swimming, Ambleside is a lovely place to visit and as near locals, we'll give you the insider knowledge on this pretty village.

Where to eat and drink

The Apple Pie Bakery is a lovely cafe with an extensive lunch and cake menu with exceptional apple pies and other desserts available. For a fine dining experience, The Old Stamp House is famed for showcasing the best of Cumbrian food using high quality and local ingredients. If you're vegetarian, you're in luck, Fellinis is a well established restaurant serving a varied and interesting vegan and vegetarian menu. To wet your whistle, the Ambleside Tap Yard is a great place to sample some locally brewed ale and craft beer.

Where to sleep

There are hundreds of B&B's in Ambleside due to increasing tourism so there's something for everyone. For a great budget option, the YHA Ambleside Hostel is iconic with its unbeatable location on the lake and atmospheric bar. Haven Cottage B&B is a short walk from the village with great views overlooking Loughrigg Fell. There is parking for each room and a high quality breakfast served daily.

Where to shop

Ambleside is a hub for outdoor sports and activities so naturally there are a plethora of outdoor shops, some of the best independent ones being Gaynor Sports and The Epicentre whose staff are extremely knowledgeable adventure sports and equipment. As well as outdoor stores, there are lovely local shops like Henry Roberts bookstore and Silver Moon gift shop.

What to do

One of the highlights of Ambleside is The Bridge House which you'll find on Rydal Road over Stock Beck River. It's a tiny, whimsical 17th century house which is open to visitors at certain times run by the National Trust. Ambleside is also fantastic for accessing some of the best walking fells, one classic being Fairfield Horseshoe which shouldn't be underestimated. It's just over 10 miles up and down and requires navigation skills if the weather turns bad. An easier and just as scenic walk is to Stock Ghyll Force which starts on Stockghyll Lane with stunning views of the waterfalls and is ideal for families.

Don't forget to check out our online shop for Ambleside gifts, available here.