Ambleside easily ranks as one of my all-time favorite villages in the Lake District, and once you step into it you instantly feel why it stands out from the rest.
Sitting proudly at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, this charming little village may look small on the map, but its bold character and endless lineup of epic activities will have you diving straight into the adventure without hesitation 🌄
To help every adventure lover heading to Lake District, we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of the absolute best things to experience on your next trip to Ambleside, so you can hit the ground running without missing a single highlight.
Jump into any of these activities and trust me, you’re setting yourself up for an epic day packed with energy, views, and memories you’ll be talking about long after you leave 🚀
11 BEST Things To Do In & Around Ambleside
Did you know that the name Ambleside comes from the Old Norse word amla, meaning river mouth, combined with the Old English word sæte, which means dwelling, giving the village a name that literally reflects its roots by the water? 🌊
Wild swim or paddleboard on Borran’s Park
Let’s kick things off strong, because Ambleside is home to one of the absolute best wild swimming and paddleboarding spots on the iconic Lake Windermere, and trust me, this is where the real adventure begins 🌊
o.
Borran’s Park serves up calm, shallow water and usually mild temperatures, which makes it a dream spot if you’re new to swimming and want to build confidence without pressure.
If you’ve got more experience and crave a proper challenge, swim about 50 metres from the shore and you’ll hit deeper water that’s perfect for a solid splash session.
Paddleboarders love this place too, as the park sits slightly west of the main boat routes, so you can glide across the water without worrying about heavy traffic cutting through your vibe 🌊
Top tip, after you dry off, grab a picnic and chill on one of the many benches scattered around the park, because the post swim relax here just hits different.
If you’re planning to visit, park at Lakeside Car Park and enjoy an easy 5 minute walk into the heart of Ambleside before diving into the action.
Peruse Ambleside village
After that refreshing lake dip, why not wander through the charming cottage streets of Ambleside and soak up the cozy village vibes?
With cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and loads of quirky independent shops lining the streets, you can easily spend hours exploring without even checking the time ☕
You’ll also find some seriously solid outdoor stores here, making it the perfect place to gear up before tackling nearby hikes, especially if you’re planning to explore more around Windermere and its epic walking routes.
Check out Stocks Ghyll Force Waterfall
If you’re up for exploring a little beyond the village buzz, a gentle 15 minute walk from the centre of Ambleside will lead you to the stunning Stocks Ghyll Force, and trust me, it’s worth every step.
With dramatic cascades pouring through peaceful Lakeland scenery, this waterfall is perfect for walkers short on time or anyone who wants epic views without heading too far from the heart of the action 🌿
You can easily pair this scenic stroll with a wander around town, and since it’s only about half a mile each way, making 1 mile in total, it suits families and hikers of all levels who just want a feel good adventure.
Head out on some of the other fantastic hikes in the area
With a name like The Walking Northerners, there’s no way we skip shouting out the unreal hikes waiting around Ambleside, because this place is basically a launchpad for adventure.
Think epic fells, mirror-like tarns, enchanted woodlands, and those classic rolling Lakeland moors that make every step feel cinematic, and you’ll see why keen ramblers fall in love with this area fast 🌄
One of my absolute favorites has to be Tarn Hows, but from here you can also trek your way to beautiful villages like Hawkshead or Coniston, so the real question is, which trail are you taking first?
Take some photos of the Bridge House
Often called the most photographed building in the entire Lake District, Bridge House is a true Lakes gem that has captured hearts for generations.
Dating back to the 17th century, this quirky little cottage perches above the Stocks Beck and has long inspired photographers, artists, and visitors from every corner of the world.
Originally an apple store for nearby Ambleside Hall, the clever design had it built over the river to dodge land taxes—a cheeky trick that adds to its charm!
Locals bought it in 1926 and eventually handed it over to the National Trust. Open in spring, summer, and autumn from 11:30am to 4:30pm, it’s wild to think that the two tiny rooms on display once housed a family of six!
Discover Ambleside’s historic Roman Fort
For history lovers, a visit to the Ambleside Roman Fort is a must.
Dating back to the 2nd century, this site is over 1800 years old, and even though much of the original structure has vanished, the ruins still stand proudly against the stunning backdrop of classic Lakeland countryside 🌿
Fun fact: the fort once housed around 500 infantrymen and was built under Hadrian’s rule to protect the Roman road from Brougham to Ravenglass.
Open to the public, this Grade 1 listed site has been cared for by the National Trust since 1913, thanks largely to local donations.
Located roughly half a mile south of Ambleside on Borrans Field, just near Borran’s Park.
Get your fill at some of the fantastic eateries on offer
Whether you’re after fine dining, cozy café treats, fresh bakery delights, or classic comfort food, Ambleside be the Wateredge Inn uk”] and Waterhead Coffee over Lake Windermere.
On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than a bite and a drink while soaking up the warmth ☀️
During our latest visit, we popped into Waterhead Coffee and, let’s just say, it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Scrumptious paninis, indulgent homemade blueberry scones, and lakeside views that take your breath away—what more could you possibly ask for? 🫐
Hop on board a Victorian ferry
Plus, with Ambleside of Lake Windermere, anyone keen to explore the waters can easily hop on one of the regular ferries that run straight from the village 🚤
Ferries crisscross Lake Windermere all day long, giving visitors a fun and scenic way to explore the area 🌊
Fun fact: Windermere Lake Cruises welcomes over 1.6 million passengers each year and was ranked England’s fourth most popular paid attraction in 2018.
Dating back to the Victorian era, the fleet includes 17 passenger vessels, some of which are historic steamers from as early as 1891.
With four colour-coded routes, you can easily hop on board to visit top spots like Ambleside, Wray Castle, Bowness on Windermere, and even enjoy an island cruise tour.
| Name | Route |
|---|---|
|
Yellow |
Bowness-on-Windermere – Lakeside Station – Bowness-on-Windermere |
|
Red |
Bowness-on-Windermere – Windermere Jetty – Ambleside – Bowness-on-Windermere |
|
Green |
Ambleside – Brockhole National Park Visitor Centre – Wray Castle – Ambleside |
|
Blue |
Bowness-on-Windermere – 45 Minute Circular Tour of the Islands – Bowness-on-Windermere |
Go village hopping via bus
If sailing’s not your vibe, you can always explore the area on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses instead 🚌
The open-top double-decker lets you soak in picture-perfect Lakeland scenery while being whisked around. The 599 coach runs every 20 minutes from Bowness on Windermere uk”] to Grasmere, stopping at both Windermere uk”] and Ambleside
From the grave of William Wordsworth to The Wonderful World Of Beatrix Potter and more, each of these villages have plenty in store for those who visit and are all fantastic days out in their own right.
Explore some of the nearby caves
Perfect for both kids and adults, some of the Lake District trip from Ambleside️
Take Rydal Caves surged even more recently after being featured in Netflix’s hit fantasy series ‘The Witcher,’ making it an atmospheric must-see for any adventurer.
Other nearby caverns, like point_of_interest”,”Cathedral Cave”,”cumbria, uk”] and Hodge Close Quarry, are also within easy reach, giving daring ramblers plenty to explore.
Spend the night under the stars at a nearby campsite
Finally, if you’re planning to stay overnight in Ambleside, why not level up the experience and pitch a tent at one of the nearby campsites so you can wake up right in the heart of all that stunning outdoor beauty? 🌄
With various lakeside campsites on offer, there’s even the option to camp beside the epic Wray Castle.
Fun fact – While the striking castle may look medieval in style, complete with decorative arrow slits, this Victorian neo Gothic building was actually constructed in 1840.
Nestled beside a peaceful shingle beach and one of the best wild swimming spots in the Lake District, there’s no better way to start your morning than stepping out of your tent and heading straight for a refreshing sunrise dip 🌅
For those craving something a little more glamorous, you’ll also find plenty of incredible glamping options scattered around Lake Windermere.
From Mongolian yurts to charming shepherd’s huts and traditional tipis, there’s no doubt you’ll discover the perfect stay to match your style ✨
Comment (0)