32 Reasons Ambleside Is the Best Place to Visit with Your Family
A scenic and beautiful town in Cumbria, England, Ambleside is a very popular tourist destination among families. It has so much to offer both kids and adults. It’s a great place for exploring on foot or by car, and even better when you have a picnic in hand! Ambleside is the ideal location for an unforgettable family trip.
The town itself has a lot of history, as well as culture and traditions that will make anyone fall in love with it. It’s a charming place where you can enjoy the peaceful ambience and explore the town on foot.
Is Ambleside a good place to bring kids?
There are many things to do for children in Ambleside that provide a fun and safe environment for them. The town is full of interesting shops and activities as well as beautiful scenery, which makes it the perfect location for families to spend their spare time.
Places to explore around Ambleside
Loughrigg Fell
The name Loughrigg appears to be derived from the Old Norse for “lake ridge”.
Located to the west of Ambleside, and is one of the most popular hills for walkers in the area with an excellent view of Windermere.
Stock Ghyll Force Ambleside
The picturesque waterfall is located just a short (though steep) walk outside of Ambleside’s town centre.
Fed by the waters of the River Rothay, Stock Ghyll Force drops over 60 feet into a plunge pool and then continues downstream.
Waterhead Pier
A popular tourist spot located at the northern head of Lake Windermere and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The pier is also a popular spot for fishing, and a number of boathouses are located along its length.
Borrans Park
A beautiful public park in Waterhead, on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere.
The Park was originally two fields and was purchased by the council in 1935 for the people of Ambleside and was made into a park to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George 5th
Galava Roman Fort
An ancient Roman fort located to the south of the town of Ambleside.
Built in the late first century AD, the fort guarded the crossing of the River Rothay on the Roman road from Manchester to Carlisle.
The Grot & the Waterfall at Rydal Hall
One of Britain’s earliest examples of a viewing station.
William Wordsworth was particularly fond of the Grot, writing about it in one of his earlier poems ‘An Evening Walk’ and visiting with his nephew shortly before his death.
“The Croc” on The River Brathay
Named after the ancient tree stump that juts out in the middle of the pool that resembles a gnarly old crocodile.
On a warm spring or autumn day, you can have the place to yourself and it is a great place to relax after a hard day on the fells.
Rydal Cave
The Rydal Cave walk is a great opportunity to explore on a low level.
The walk is a 4.5-mile loop that can begin and end at the Rydal Cave car park (beware, it can get very busy), The walk takes you through some beautiful scenery.
Wray Castle
A National Trust owned Gothic Revival castle on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
The house was built using Dr James Dawson’s wife’s inheritance from a gin fortune. Apparently, she took one look at the house when it was finished, and refused to live in it.
Where to eat in Ambleside
Fresher’s Cafe
Famously friendly café in Ambleside, the heart of the English Lake District.
Delicious homemade food including all-day breakfast, spectacular quiches, sandwiches, toasties and jackets, fresh homemade soups and cakes galore. Vegan and GF options.
Mr H’s
Vintage tearoom in the very heart of the English Lake District, serving yummy homemade delights.
Dogs are welcome. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Rattle Ghyll Fine Food & Deli
Providing hearty, home-cooked goodness, all to take away, along with a shop bursting at the seams with locally and ethically sourced foods.
They have a refill section, just pop along and fill your own containers from our selection of foods and cleaning products.
Stiles of Ambleside
A family-run coffee bar situated on the main road leading into Ambleside in the Heart of the Lake District.
Both pet and family-friendly, they serve good quality, locally sourced food and locally roasted coffee.
Misto
Offers Italian and Mediterranean food served by friendly knowledgeable staff.
All you need to know is that it’s 100% worth a visit, from the extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff and owners to the tasty cocktails, and the relaxed dining experience.
Dodds Restaurant
Right in the very heart of Ambleside, Dodds offers lunch or just a coffee in the afternoon, or visit for an evening of relaxation with good food, fine wines and cool beers, all served with a warm welcome.
Bar Es
A rustic Mexican-themed interior, with relaxed seating for your evening meals and drinks.
If you are not ready to give up the great Lake District outdoors, they have a beer garden which also features heaters and a canopy.
The Picnic Box
Amazing selection of made-to-order sandwiches/baguettes/paninis & more.
With hot & cold options, and fantastic value too. Well worth visit.
Old School Room Tea Shop
The Old School Room Tea Shop serves a good selection of light refreshments including soup, sandwiches, and homemade cakes.
Zeffirellis and Fellinis Restaurants
Whether you’re vegetarian or not, you won’t notice – the cooking is that thoughtful.
There are lots of gluten-free options available, and many items are vegan.
Doi Intanon Thai Restaurant
Lovely restaurant serving authentic Thai food, very busy for good reason, and reasonably priced.
Great flavour, spicy and delicious.
Things to do in Ambleside
Zeffirellis Cinema and Live Music
An award-winning family-run restaurant, bar and Cinema. Getting people up on the dance floor with their live music events.
‘Zeffs’ is also a hugely popular independent cinema. It has been voted the fourth best cinema in the country by the Guardian.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Providing 1-hour and 2-hour sightseeing tours of Windermere Lake – one of England’s largest natural lakes and is home to many beautiful islands with rich historical significance.
White Platts Recreation Ground
A 9 Hole Mini Golf course with a 90-metre hole, 9 Hole Putting Green, and 9 Hole Crazy Golf Course.
For the more energetic person, there are three full-size tennis courts. For a more gentle life, there’s a large Bowling Green. Lastly, there’s the infant play area
Ambleside Climbing Wall
An indoor climbing centre with over 150 top-quality routes, a bouldering cave and a spacious viewing area.
Suitable for climbers of all ages and abilities, try out this unique active adventure.
Brockhole on Windermere
An ideal location for holidaymakers with a passion for great outdoor play and hobby enthusiasts.
Activities include Krazy Karts, Archery, Laser Clay Shooting, Brave the Cave, Faerie Trail, Adventure playground, Treetop Nets, Treetop Trek, Gardens and grounds, annnnd All weather play! Phew!
Go Ape Grizedale
A haven for zip-wire fans. Each of the high ropes courses offers long flights, but the king of forest flying is Zip Trekking Adventure – a spine-tingling 3km aerial adventure.
And why not try one of 10 walking trails ranging from 1 to 10 miles.
The Armitt
History buffs will absolutely love The Armitt (a museum, gallery, and library full of interesting and unusual objects telling the history and heritage of Ambleside and its people) because they can learn about the history of Ambleside.
Ambleside shops with something for all the family
Rockshop
Enjoy the 3 exciting children’s experiences at the wonderful RockShop attraction in Ambleside, including their very own Dinosaur Den themed treasure hunt, jump into the unique Gem Pit, and get creative in our Pippin Bead Bar.
Hayes Garden World Ambleside
Opened in 1932 as a small market garden supplying local residents with fresh produce.
After several expansions, the garden centre now offers everything from plants and flowers to garden furniture and tools. Hayes also features a nursery and café.
Fred Holdsworth’s Bookshop
An independent bookshop founded by Fred Holdsworth in 1956. The shop stocks a wide range of books.
Fred’s is a well-loved institution in Ambleside and is popular with both locals and visitors to the town.
Something for mum and dad
Kindred Spirits
Priding themselves on offering a unique experience, and actively encouraging you to explore the room and taste before selecting a bottle, Kindred Spirits will ensure you have the tasty tipple that suits you.
Beer Ambleside
With over 300 independently brewed craft beers and ciders at each. There is also a range of quality Natural Wines, Meads and small-batch produced gins.
Cottages in Ambleside
Experience the beauty of Ambleside and the Lake District with our selection of self-catering accommodation. Your perfect retreat awaits.
Find out more Things to do in Ambleside >
Book today
The Lakeland Retreats guide to Ambleside
6 Walks from Ambleside town centre
If you’re staying in Ambleside, you don’t have to get in the car to start enjoying the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lake District scenery.
Ambleside boat trips and water sports
You can’t visit the Lakes without taking to the water at some point. And, one of the best ways to see the spectacular scenery is from a boat!
Events in Ambleside
There’s always lots going on in bustling Ambleside – it is one of the most visited places in the Lake District, after all!
Ambleside Outdoor Shops
Over flowing with outdoor shops, whatever brand you’re looking for, whatever piece of clothing or equipment you need, you’ll find it!
Where can I park in Ambleside?
It’s an age-old problem in the Lake District. Where can I park? It’s a beautiful place so everybody wants to come. And most people drive..
Ambleside Restaurants, Cafes, and takeaways
We’ve rounded up our favourite eateries for you to try on your next visit to this hot spot of culinary delights!
Things to do in Ambleside with kids
An ideal village for children, with activities, a large variety of food options, and a brilliant playground, they’ll have a great day out!
What is Ambleside famous for?
Ambleside is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Lake District. But what makes this charming place famous?
Our pick of the pubs in Ambleside
Here’s our pick of the best pubs in Ambleside to relax, unwind, eat and have a drink before you head back to your holiday cottage.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in The Lake District
It’s not just two-legged hikers that need refreshment after a day tramping the fells, here’s the best Dog-friendly Pubs In The Lake District
Unusual things to do in Ambleside
Let’s explore Ambleside’s lesser-known attractions to give you a few ideas and inspiration for your next stay
