Shops in Ambleside – unique local gifts and everyday essentials
As well as all the outdoor shops you can find in Ambleside, there’s a wide range of other independent shops to discover.
Ambleside’s unique and independent shops
Selling everything from locally sourced food and drink and unique local gifts to everyday essentials, and even anything you might need for your four-legged friends to enjoy their Lake District adventures too.
Looking for a way to feel cultured while on a secret shopping trip to Ambleside? Join the Ambleside amble with the Armitt museum. Learn some of the history of the village, the people that shaped it, and the industry that fuelled it’s growth; all while taking in Ambleside’s unique shops.
Fresh flowers
Lilylou’s of Ambleside
Brighten your Ambleside stay with a Lily Lou’s bouquet.
Lilylou’s details
With over 30 years’ experience, we think it’s safe to say that Lilylou’s know flowers. So whether you’re buying a bunch to add some colour to your cottage, celebrating a special occasion, or just because, they can put together something to suit your needs and budget.
They can even deliver the same day if you’re staying in the south Lakes area. And with the planet in mind, all their wrapping is biodegradable and recyclable.
Local food and drink
Garside Butchers
Ambleside butcher extraordinaire! A small traditional family run Butchers in the heart of the Lake District.
Garside Butchers details
Sourcing most of their produce from Cumbria. They dry age all their Beef and Lamb and make a variety of different sausages and dry cure their own bacon.
Why not pop in on the way back from the Golden Rule (it’s just round the corner) and pick up some supplies for breakfast. Just remember not to spend all the sausage money on real ales!
Kindred Spirits, Ambleside
Gin, rum, whisky, vodka. That’s what founders Ollie and Tasha sell at Kindred Spirits in Ambleside.
Kindred Spirits details
In single bottles for life, stacking bottles, gift sets, and refill pouches for when your bottle for life is empty.
Working closely with small batch distillers from around the country, Kindred Spirits showcase a wide range (over 60) of interesting and unusual flavours in demi-johns and casks for you to pick from. And yes, you can try before you buy.
Simply choose your tipple – or go for a tasting set if you just can’t make your mind up – choose your bottle and they’ll do the rest. They’ll handwrite the info onto the bottle – they can even personalise a message for you if you’re buying as a gift – and beautifully wrap it for you as well if you like. Now what will it be? Strawberry & Black Pepper Gin? Solway Spiced Rum? Hell’s Stone Whisky? Cuckoo Seaside Vodka? Decisions, decisions.
Rattle Ghyll Deli, Ambleside
Want something home-cooked and delicious to take away for lunch as fuel for the fells?
Rattle Ghyll Deli details
Would like to pick up some locally and ethically sourced foodie goodies to take home, or want to refill your own containers from their selection of food (pasta, nuts, pulses) and cleaning products (shampoo, conditioner, soap) to cut down on plastic use, get yourself down to the amazing Rattle Ghyll Deli, where the cooking aromas that greet you at the door mean you’ll find it almost impossible not to go in and treat yourself.
Beer Ambleside
Does exactly what it says on the tin (can… bottle?)! When it comes to beer, mead, and natural wines, Beer Ambleside can’t be beaten.
Beer details
Beer lovers will think they’re in paradise when they step through the door of this Ambleside bottle (and can) shop. They’re a small independent local business with a team of 2 plus a La’al Jewkle (little dog) called Audrey who sometimes helps out.
With over 250 craft beers, ciders and natural wines stacked high to choose from, including over 180 local beers, they even sell a few flavours of mead, one of the world’s oldest alcoholic drinks – try a glass in the shop if you’ve never had it before.
There are two tables for drinking in (open from 2pm) if you fancy staying put for a while you decide what to take home with you, and the friendly and knowledgeable beer bods are on hand to help you navigate the vast range.
They can also put together 12 or 24 bottle bundles (including a gluten-free bundle) for you take home, and there’s a pretty good selection of alcohol-free beers too, for when you’re the designated driver.
Friars Chocolate Shop
Family-run Friars have been making and selling their luxury chocolate creations since 1927 – way before anyone had heard of Willy Wonka.
Friars Chocolate Shop details
All the chocolate goodies are made from scratch by hand using the finest Belgian chocolate – fine chocolate truffles, luxury chocolate gift boxes, chocolate hampers, and even vegan chocolates.
And, don’t worry if you want to get your chocolatey fix when you get back home, Friars can deliver your favourites direct to your door.
Old Bank House Chocolate Shop
Beware chocoholics – you may be in the family-run Old Bank Chocolate House for some time, and the chances of you leaving empty-handed are almost certainly zero.
Old Bank House Chocolate Shop details
The smell of chocolate being poured will lure you in from the streets of Ambleside and once inside, the sight of all the handmade chocolatey delights on offer will part you from your money.
We’re talking Ameretto Truffles, Chocolate Marshmallows, Dark Chocolate Stem Gingers, Florentine Pralines, Milk Chocolate Marzipan Logs, Pink Champagne Truffles and loads more. Owners Mark and Michelle also produce milk, dark and white chocolate bars, all manner of chocolate buttons, and even novelty chocolates – who doesn’t love a chocolate dinosaur? And if you’re missing your Old Bank House Chocolate fix when you get back home, you can order more online. Phew!
Gifts, souvenirs, and art prints
The Ambleside Toy Shop
You can find soft toys, wooden toys, musical toys, pocket money toys, things to make, jigsaws to complete, glove puppets, finger puppets, outdoor toys, traditional toys, board games and so much more at the Ambleside Toy Shop.
Ambleside Toy Shop details
Kids of all ages will love looking at everything and the owner is happy to explain the games and toys and make suggestions if you can’t decide.
This is a proper old-school toyshop with something to please everyone and friendly and knowledgeable staff who do actually like (well behaved) children running around.
The Black Sheep Shop
One visitor described the Black Sheep Shop as a ‘little Aladdin’s cave’, and another said ‘they have the best ice cream in town’…
The Black Sheep Shop details
That makes this family-run shop a must-visit in our book if you want to pick up something to remember your Lake District trip by.
Selling a wide range of locally themed gifts (including Peter Rabbit toys and ceramics), souvenirs, maps, sew-on badges, mugs, tea towels, teddy bears, and that delicious luxury ice cream from English Lakes Ice Cream, you can also stock up on Kendal Mint Cake to keep you fuelled on the fells.
Detail, Ambleside
Quirky gifts, funky homewares, perplexing puzzles… you can find them all at Detail.
Detail details
Think you don’t need a Herdwick sheep wall panel? Think again. Think you’ve got just the right number of mugs at home? Wrong. And everyone loves stationery, right?
Proudly independent and run by a mother and daughter team, Detail aims to stock unusual, characterful, and wherever possible, eco-friendly products, many of which are made in Britain.
Gear, Ambleside
From vintage Tintin collectables to enamelled signs for your wall (inside or out), and Lake District cushions to candles and diffusers, a treasure trove of gifts awaits when you get yourself to Gear.
Gear details
Fancy a bag made from recycled bottles? Get one at Gear.
And, those enamelled signs we mentioned earlier – you can create your own to celebrate your visit. So whether you want to say ‘We love Ambleside’ or ‘I’ve hiked Helvellyn’, get in touch with Gear.
Herby Jacks
If you like to buy gifts designed and made in the UK, then Herby Jacks will be right up your street.
Herby Jack’s details
Selling everything from luxury scented candles and diffusers to artisan gifts, jewellery and wellness products, they source as much as possible from small, independent producers based all over the UK.
They sell gifts to make you and your home look and smell lovely, gifts to help you sleep better, clothes to make you look good, and lots more besides. And blokes get a look in too, with a wide range of soaps, beard oils, perfumes and other gifts for the discerning gentleman.
National Park Print Shop
A haven for art and outdoor enthusiasts. With a vibrant variety of colourful prints inspired by the Lake District’s stunning landscapes and outdoor culture.
National Park Print Shop details
Their unique merchandise means you’ll find a gift for any Lake District fan, with range of quirky pins, patches, stickers, postcards, and zines from independent artists.
Immerse yourself in a welcoming space celebrating local talent and artistic expression. By purchasing artwork or merchandise, you contribute to the thriving local creative community.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this unique shop and take home a piece of the Lake District’s artistic spirit!
Old Courthouse Gallery (OCG), Ambleside
It would be criminal not to pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery while you’re in Ambleside.
Old Courthouse Gallery details
Independent and family-owned, the gallery displays (and sells) the work of over 100 new and established artists in its various rooms – including many from the Lake District.
Its not just paintings either – you can find sculpture, glass, ceramics, furniture and jewellery, all beautifully presented and ready to make a dent in your wallet. They also host regularly changing exhibitions, so there’s always something new to point your peepers at.
Signature & Memorabilia Ltd
There’s a real treasure trove of autographed music, film and sport memorabilia waiting for you to snap it up at Signature & Memorabilia Ltd.
Signature & Memorabilia Ltd. Details
Specialising in one-off signed and framed pictures of stars of stage, screen and stadium, it’s a great place to browse and see if you can spot your favourite on the wall.
The owner is an ardent collector of autographs of and there are loads of pictures of him with the celebrities, while other pictures are sourced through his trusted associates. You can also buy signed movie posters, and if there is a particular star’s signature you’re interested in, let him know and he’ll try and track it down for you.
Silver Moon
If crystals, incense, candles, and delicate jewellery is your thing, then a visit to Silver Moon is essential when you’re next in Ambleside.
Silver Moon Details
Chock full of gemstones, silver, pewter and slate jewellery, artisan crafts from India and South America, crystals, incense and gifts, there’s treasure to suit every budget in this gem of a shop.
If you simply must have a singing bowl, this is the place to find one. Looking for gemstones you won’t see anywhere else? Silver Moon it is. After a unique piece to give as a gift? You know where to go.
The friendly staff know their stuff and can help you choose just the right thing, be it bangles, necklaces, earrings, or even a Buddha for your sideboard.
The Rock Shop, Ambleside
You can buy crystals, jewellery, minerals, fossils, toys and other rocky goodies at the Rock Shop.
The Rock Shop details
Kids will love it as they can have a rummage in the gem pit, filling a bag with their favourite finds, take part in a Dinosaur Den treasure hunt, and get creative and make their own bracelet in the bead bar.
Maps and books
Fred’s Bookshop, Ambleside
Who doesn’t love to while away some time browsing the shelves at a charming bookshop?
Fred’s Bookshop details
Independent Fred’s has been around since the 1950s, and while it may be small, manages to stock a hugely diverse range of books – and anything it doesn’t have in stock can usually be ordered in for the next day.
For all you walkers, climbers, and adventurers, there’s a wide selection of maps, guides, and books to help you find your way around the Lakes.
Pet supplies
Paws by the Lake, Ambleside
If you’ve brought your furry friend to one of our dog-friendly cottages, it’s good to know all their needs are catered for too.
If you have a pet emergency, the closest vets is Oakhill on Church street
Tel: 01539 432 631
Paws by the Lake details
Paws by the Lake in Ambleside is an Aladdin’s kennel for all things dog-related – harnesses, jackets, chews, toys, collars, leads, food and treats – you name it.
You can also hire doggy prams, and they specialise in outdoor gear for adventurous tail-waggers. They can also offer help with choosing and fitting harnesses, coats and boots, so your pooches are properly equipped for the great outdoors.
Cycling supplies and bikes
Ghyllside Cycles, Ambleside
Established 1961, whatever you need for your bike, the friendly two-wheel experts at Ghyllside Cycles can help you out.
Ghyllside Cycles details
Stocking a wide range of bicycles, panniers, clothing, seats, pedals, saddles, footwear and all manner of tools and gadgets, it’s heaven for lovers of bikes.
Headed up by Calvin and Kevin, Ghyllside can also help you with bike hire, new bike builds, custom builds, wheel builds, and are happy to share their knowledge and experience of cycling in the Lakes.
Push Cartel, Ambleside
Push Cartel in Ambleside offers a premium cycling experience. They specialise in bespoke bicycle builds, ensuring each bike is perfectly tailored to the rider’s needs and preferences.
Push Cartel details
Their expert mechanics provide top-notch technical services, maintaining and repairing bikes to the highest standards.
Beyond their technical expertise, Push Cartel offers a welcoming and knowledgeable customer experience. The shop’s stylish and inviting atmosphere creates a comfortable space for cyclists to connect and discuss their shared passion.
Pick up a prescription
Thomas Bell Pharmacy, Ambleside
Need to top up your first aid kit before heading out on the fells?
If you need medical attention, the nearest facility is Ambleside Heath Centre.
Tel: 01539 432 693
Thomas Bell Pharmacy details
Got a prescription to pick up? Need some advice about the best way to treat a minor ailment?
Your friendly local pharmacy, Thomas Bell’s, is the place to go.
Ambleside’s Hardware shop
J F Martin & Co.
Sometimes you only need one nut or bolt, or some batteries, or some super glue… And the place to go for them in Amblesdie is J.F. Martin & Co.
J F Martin & Co. details
Now on its third generation of Martins, this classic hardware shop in the centre of Ambleside has been in its current location since 1922, selling everything from tools and fixings, paint and brushes, lightbulbs and torches, candles and camping gas, and all those bits and bobs you didn’t know you needed until you needed them.
They also cut keys, sharpen knives, garden tools and other tools, and they’ll also try and track down anything they don’t have in stock from one of their many suppliers. Their service and product knowledge are second to none, and they even offer free local delivery for large or heavy items.
Cottages in Ambleside
Experience the beauty of Ambleside and the Lake District with our selection of self-catering accommodation. Your perfect retreat awaits.
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When the weather’s not playing ball in the Lakes you can stay dry with a visit to one of Ambleside’s indoor attractions.
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