Welcome to Ambleside
Famous Lake District town on the banks of the glorious Lake Windermere.
One of Cumbria's best known towns and a honeypot for tourists visiting the Lake District, Ambleside and its surrounding area is a stunning spot for trips of various types. Whether it's walking the Fairfield Horseshoe, watersports on Windermere or simply enjoying the shops, cafes and restaurants of the town, visit to enjoy the opportunities a trip can offer.
YHA Hostels in and around Ambleside
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Things to do in Ambleside
Five free things to do in Ambleside
Explore the countryside
From Grizedale Forest to Claife Heights, there are a number of trails to walk and cycle along to see the wildlife and beauty of the Ambleside area.
Discover the lakes
Spend an afternoon exploring the shore of the iconic Lake Windermere, less than a mile away from Ambleside, and watch the yachts and canoes make their way through the water.
Visit surrounding towns
Neighbouring villages and hamlets such as Rydal and Grassmere offer a look into the past with charming narrow streets, cobbled pre-war architecture and beautiful local sights to discover.
Arts and culture
Ambleside has a number of museums and even more art galleries – head to the Old Courthouse Gallery to see classic and contemporary work by a number of local artists inspired by the beautiful surroundings.
See the Lake District
Ambleside is perfectly located for you to head out into the Lake District and see what else is on offer in the region – the Visitors' Centre in Brockhole is a great place to start!
There's nowhere in the world quite like Ambleside
Ambleside's location in the middle of the Lake District makes it the ideal destination for outdoor lovers and explorers; the area boasts a wealth of activities and attractions, including wall climbing, bike hire, mountain treks and lake cruises, while the towns and villages offer entertainment and great locations for dining out.
The Lake District is a stunning area of national park, with a wide collection of wildlife and beautiful views across the countryside. Hike or cycle along the footpaths and bridleways, or head out onto the lakes for a more exciting afternoon of exploration!
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Ambleside Climbing Wall
Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
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Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Brows
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Cycling in Windermere
The best cycling is out of season when there's less traffic. There's an endless variety of cycling routes from quiet lanes to high mountain passes.
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Merz Barn
Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
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The World of Beatrix Potter
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. Don't forget to exit through the gift shop!
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Walking and Rambling in Ambleside
If you're planning on staying at YHA Ambleside, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the are
View some of our popular Ambleside blog posts
Visiting the Lake District by public transport
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Best walks in Windermere
The picturesque town of Windermere, situated in the Lake District National Park, is a popular walking location for visitors. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then there are plenty of opportunities...
Eco-friendly glamping in the Lake District
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