Top Things to do in Ambleside - With Visitors Itineary

When to Go

Ambleside is a year-round destination, and each season offers its own unique charm. Whether you’re after vibrant blooms, cultural buzz, autumnal colour, or winter serenity, there’s a perfect time for your cabin or cottage stay.

Spring (April–June)

As the Lake District begins to bloom, Ambleside bursts into life with lush greenery, colourful wildflowers, and a gentle buzz of activity. Trails are quieter, ideal for walkers seeking peaceful hikes through the hills or photographers looking to capture misty mornings and lamb-dotted fields. Gardens at nearby Rydal Hall and Holehird are particularly stunning in spring.

Summer (July–August)

This is the Lake District at its liveliest. Expect long daylight hours—ideal for lake cruises, fell walks, and evening pub garden dinners. Festivals, open-air theatre, and family events pop up across the region. Be sure to book your cottage early, as this is peak travel season and accommodations fill quickly.

Autumn (September–October)

Perhaps the most magical time to visit. The fells are covered in golden bracken, woodlands glow with red and amber tones, and crisp air makes walking a joy. With fewer tourists, trails are quieter and restaurants more relaxed. It’s a favourite for couples and photographers.

Winter (November–March)

For those who love a peaceful escape, winter in Ambleside offers frosty mornings, quiet streets, and roaring fires in cosy pubs. Snow-capped peaks add drama to the landscape, and winter walks around Rydal Water or Loughrigg Fell are breathtaking. Some attractions may operate reduced hours, so check in advance.

Local Tip:

Late spring (May–early June) and early autumn (late September) offer the perfect blend of natural beauty, mild weather, and fewer crowds—ideal for those wanting both access and tranquillity.

How to Get There

With a Car:

• From the South: Take the M6 to junction 36, then A591 via Kendal and Windermere.

• Parking: Public car parks available (Rydal Road and Lake Road), but many cottages offer private parking.

Without a Car:

• Train: Take the train to Windermere Station (via Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line).

• Bus: The 505 and 599 bus routes offer regular service to Ambleside.

Local Tip: Consider a Stagecoach Explorer Bus Pass for unlimited travel across the Lakes.

Accessibility Tips

Ambleside is a welcoming destination for travellers with varying mobility needs, and while it’s a historic town with a few hilly corners, there are many thoughtful touches that make it easier to navigate.

Town Centre Access

Ambleside’s town centre is compact and largely walkable, with many paved footpaths and pedestrian-friendly zones. Shops, cafés, and restaurants along Lake Road, Compston Road, and the market square are easily accessible for most visitors, and many have step-free entrances or portable ramps available upon request. The path to Waterhead Pier, where lake cruises depart, is relatively flat and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Accessible Attractions

• Brockhole on Windermere: Just a short distance away, this visitor centre is fully accessible with wide paths, accessible toilets, and wheelchair-friendly gardens. They even offer all-terrain mobility scooter hire.

• Loughrigg Terrace (partial access): For gentle walks with stunning views, the route from Rydal to Loughrigg Terrace has a flatter section suitable for some wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Transport Options

• Buses: Stagecoach buses serving Ambleside (like the 599 and 555 routes) are typically low-floor and wheelchair accessible. It’s best to check the timetable in advance and allow extra time during peak seasons.

• Taxis: Several local firms offer accessible taxi services with ramps or vehicle lifts, but booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during weekends or holidays.

Local Tip:

Some cottages from cottages.com include accessibility features, such as ground-floor bedrooms, walk-in showers, and ramp access. Use filters when booking to find properties that suit your needs.

Free Things to Do in Ambleside

Ambleside is packed with charm, scenery, and culture—and the best part is, many of its highlights come at no cost. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a week, these free activities help you explore the town without spending a penny.

Stroll to Stock Ghyll Force

Just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, this dramatic 70-foot waterfall is a must-see. The wooded path to the falls winds past mossy rocks and trickling streams, making it a peaceful mini-hike. After rainfall, the falls are especially impressive. Access is free and suitable for most walkers.

Visit Bridge House

This tiny stone building perched over Stock Beck is one of Ambleside’s most iconic landmarks. Maintained by the National Trust, it’s free to admire from the outside and makes a great photo opportunity. Built in the 17th century, it was once used as everything from a family home to an apple store!

Window Shop & Gallery Hop

Ambleside is full of independent shops and galleries, particularly around Compston Road and Church Street. The Old Courthouse Gallery showcases a rotating selection of contemporary British art, ceramics, and glasswork—wander through for creative inspiration.

Walk the Jenkins Crag Route

A peaceful 45-minute circular walk starts from Waterhead and gently climbs through Skelghyll Woods to Jenkins Crag, offering panoramic views across Lake Windermere. It’s a lovely way to see the countryside without straying too far from town.

Enjoy Lakeside Picnics at Borrans Park

Pack some local treats from a deli or bakery and head to Borrans Park, just past Waterhead Pier. This open, grassy park has plenty of space, benches, and unbeatable views of Windermere’s northern shore.

Hidden Gem: St. Anne’s Chapel

Tucked away between old stone cottages, St. Anne’s Chapel is a peaceful spot often missed by tourists. With its small garden and understated beauty, it’s a lovely place for quiet reflection or a moment of calm during your stroll through town.

3-Night, 4-Day Itinerary – Explore Ambleside Like a Local

Take your time and experience the real Ambleside with this relaxed itinerary that mixes classic sights with local secrets, scenic walks, and great food. Staying in a cosy cottages.com cottage means you’ll enjoy all the freedom and comfort of a home-from-home as you explore this Lakeland gem.

Day 1: Settle In & Sunset Views

• Afternoon: Arrive at your cottages.com cottage and make yourself at home. Unpack, put the kettle on, and browse a local guidebook to start mapping out your stay. Enjoy the slower pace—this is your time to unwind.

• Evening: Take a gentle stroll to Waterhead Pier, where you’ll catch your first view of Lake Windermere. The changing light at sunset is magical here, especially with the fells silhouetted on the horizon.

• Dinner tip: Dine at Zeffirellis, a lively spot known for its fresh pizza and unique dinner-and-cinema combo. A great place to end your first night.

• Local tip: Stock up on breakfast pastries, local cheese, and picnic bits at The Apple Pie Café & Bakery, a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Day 2: Waterfalls, Woods & Hidden Trails

• Morning: Begin with a short, leafy walk to Stock Ghyll Force, a 70-foot waterfall tucked behind town. Follow quieter paths through the woods to enjoy the sound of rushing water and birdsong—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

• Lunch: Pack a picnic or pick up sandwiches and find a sunny spot at Borrans Park. This open space by the lake is ideal for relaxing with a view.

• Afternoon: Follow the trail to Jenkins Crag. This circular walk winds through Skelghyll Woods, opening to a breathtaking view of Windermere from above. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

• Evening: Settle back at your cottage—light the fire if you have one, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy a home-cooked meal or takeaway from one of Ambleside’s cosy pubs.

• Hidden Gem: If you’re feeling energetic, head to High Sweden Bridge, a beautiful, lesser-known stone bridge tucked into the hills above the town.

Day 3: Explore Further Afield

• Morning: Hop on a bus or drive 20 minutes to Grasmere. Literary fans can tour Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage (modest fee) or simply enjoy the peaceful lake loop walk through woodland and open countryside.

• Lunch: Grab homemade gingerbread and a coffee from Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, a local institution since 1854.

• Afternoon: Visit Rydal Mount Gardens, Wordsworth’s family home, or enjoy a free lakeside walk between Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake—one of the most scenic low-level routes in the area.

• Evening: Head back to Ambleside for dinner at Fellinis, an elegant vegetarian restaurant with an attached arthouse cinema showing independent films and classics.

• Local tip: Before dinner, pop into Oxfam’s second-hand bookshop in town—it’s full of rare finds, local history, and cosy corners to browse in peace.

Day 4: Local Life & Last-Minute Treats

• Morning: Start your day with a takeaway coffee from Esquires Coffee and enjoy a relaxed wander around the local independent shops on Lake Road and Compston Street. Look out for artisan goods, handmade gifts, and local produce to take home.

• Final stop: Before checking out, don’t forget a photo at Bridge House, Ambleside’s most photographed spot. Then head to the village green for a final moment of calm surrounded by classic Lakeland stone buildings.

• Travel tip: If you’re travelling home by train, stop by Freshers Café for sandwiches and sweet treats to enjoy on the journey.

• Bonus Hidden Gem: Call in at Ghyllside Cycles to pick up hand-drawn maps and local cycling routes—perfect inspiration for your next Ambleside adventure.

Plan the Perfect Ambleside Escape with This 4-Day Itinerary

Whether you're craving lakeside serenity, woodland walks, or local charm, this 4-day Ambleside itinerary helps you make the most of your stay in a cottages.com cottage. From tranquil waterfalls and hidden trails to cosy cafés and iconic landmarks, you’ll discover both the well-loved highlights and the tucked-away gems that give Ambleside its timeless appeal.

Spend your days wandering to Stock Ghyll Force, exploring the art-filled streets, or enjoying a peaceful picnic at Borrans Park. Venture further to Grasmere and Rydal, where Wordsworth’s legacy meets breathtaking views, before winding down each evening in local restaurants or by the fireplace in your cottage. With practical tips on when to go, how to get there (with or without a car), accessibility advice, and free things to do, this guide is designed for relaxed, rewarding travel.

Bookmark this guide now and let it be your go-to plan for a magical Ambleside escape.

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