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..
Which means it gets busy and parking is at a premium – and it’s not cheap either (higher than the national average). But fear not, we’re here to help.
The best car parks in ambleside
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in Ambleside, chances are there is parking at your holiday cottage. But if you’re travelling to Ambleside from elsewhere in the Lakes, here’s what you need to know to stop you driving round in circles looking for that elusive parking space.
Oh, and our best tip? Arrive early, especially in the busy summer months if you want to get a space.
Pay & Display Car Parks in Ambleside
Miller Bridge Car Park
With 210 general spaces, this is the largest car park in Ambleside.
Open every day from 8am to 8pm, motorcycles can park for free.
It’s located on the edge of town so it’s a short walk to the shops, but it’s a good car park for camper vans and motorhomes. There are no designated disabled spaces.
Please note: you can’t buy a 3 or 7-day pass for this car park.
Rydal Road Car Park
Open from 8am to 8pm every day, this is the second largest car park in town.
There are 171 general spaces and 10 disabled spaces offering both long and short-stay parking.
You can also buy 3 or 7-day passes, which you can use in three other Ambleside car parks (not Miller Bridge) and the five council car parks in Bowness too.
Motorcycles can park for free.
Lake Road Car Park
Open from 8am to 8pm every day.
There are 48 general spaces and 3 disabled spaces in this long-stay car park.
If you arrive before 9am you can park all day for only £1.
The 3 and 7-day passes can also be used here.
Motorcycles can park for free.
King Street Car Park
Open every day except Wednesday (market day) between 8am and 6pm.
There are only 29 general spaces and 3 disabled spaces at this short-stay car park.
There are two electric vehicle charging points. If you’re looking to come in your EV, we have cottages with EV chargers.
You can use 3 and 7-day passes here.
3 Kelsick Rd
Ambleside
LA22 0EA
Low Fold Car Park
There are 41 general spaces and 1 disabled space at this long-stay car park.
There’s also 1 electric vehicle charging point.
Open every day from 8am to 8pm, you can use 3 and 7-day passes here.
Motorcycles can park for free.
Can I park on the street?
There is a fair amount of on-street parking in the centre of Ambleside, but it’s usually time-limited to an hour or two and the traffic wardens are keen as mustard.
Between 10am and 6pm you’ll usually need to display a disc with the time you arrived (discs are available free from local shop).
You can park further out from the town centre on residential streets that don’t have residents only parking, but please be considerate of the people who live there, many of whom don’t have off-street parking.
Can I stay in my vehicle overnight?
‘Fraid not. Not in a public car park anyway. You could find on-street parking, but we wouldn’t recommend it.
You’re much better off trying to get a spot on an official campsite.
Where else can I park?
Ambleside School
There are a few parking spaces at Ambleside School in Vicarage Road, where you can park after 5pm on school days.
There is a donation box and any money raised goes directly to the school.
Vicarage Road
Ambleside
LA22 9DH
Ambleside Cricket Club
There is limited public parking at Ambleside Cricket Club.
All they ask for is a donation towards the upkeep of the club.
Ambleside
LA22 9PL
Leave the car and hop on the bus
Once you’re here and all settled in to your holiday cottage, think about giving the car, and the traffic jams, a day off and getting around by bus.
The Lake District is well-served with buses and even if you are making slow progress because of the traffic, it’s much more relaxing and enjoyable admiring the scenery from the top of a bus.
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
Visiting the Lake District in February
If you’re planning to visit the beautiful Lake District in February, you can expect snow-capped fells, quieter roads, and fewer crowds!
Things To Do in Ambleside in The Rain
When the weather’s not playing ball in the Lakes you can stay dry with a visit to one of Ambleside’s indoor attractions.
Explore the Parks in Ambleside
If you want to escape the crowds for a while, or just relax and let the kids run around for a bit, there are plenty of brilliant parks!
Ambleside shops – 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.
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 – get the kit that’ll keep you exploring
Over flowing with outdoor shops, whatever brand you’re looking for, whatever piece of clothing or equipment you need, you’ll find it!
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.
