Ambleside & the Lake District

A place of adventure and culture

The Lake District town of Ambleside is a hub for public transport and offers something for everyone, from walkers to jazz fans. Located in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, Ambleside is a perfect destination for a relaxing short break.

The town has a cinema showing arthouse films and the latest releases. You can visit the Armitt Museum, a ruined Roman fort and even a jazz bar.

Local Events for 2019

Ambleside Spring Flower Show

16 -17 March 2019
Show of spring flowers and plants, cookery, floral art, handicrafts and photography classes

Coniston14

30 March 2019
Coniston’s largest annual community event raising money for local charities an clubs. Probably the most picturesque 14-mile road race in Britain around Coniston water.
coniston14.co.uk

Bowness Bay Blues

12 – 14 April 2019
The flagship of all that is good about blues music around Bowness Bay, Windermere.
bownessbayblues.co.uk

Keswick to Barrow Walk

11 May 2019
A sponsored 40-mile walking and running event in the Lake District, to raise money for charities and good causes.
keswick2barrow.co.uk

Fred Whitton Challenge

12 May 2019
The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District, starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott & Wrynose passes – the most difficult one-day cycling event in the country!
www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk

Windermere Boat Show

17 – 19 May 2019
The shores of England’s largest lake come alive with watersports and a huge colletion of vessels. Lots to do for all ages on and off the water.
Windermereboatshow.com

Windermere Marathon

19 May 2019
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon, finish this breathtaking course, amidst a carnival atmosphere, in the grounds of Brathay Hall with stunning views over England’s largest lake.
Windermere Marathon

Great North Swim

7 – 9^th June 2019
Europe’s biggest open water swimming event returns to Brockhole on Windermere this year for a fantastic weekend of competition, family fun and lots more!
greatrun.org/great-swim/great-north-swim

Ambleside Sports

25th July 2019
A popular traditional Lakeland sports event held in Ambleside every year. this event is one of the most well known and well attended traditional countryside sports fairs in Cumbria. It is also one of the few places you can spectate the famous Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
https://amblesidesports.co.uk/

Walking

There are so many walks for all abilities straight from our door, whatever your ability. Take a look at the maps and leaflets in the lounge or just ask us for ideas. For walks further afield, check out the bus timetables.

Arranging a walking holiday? We can accommodate up to 14 people in their own individual beds.

Group bookings

Take a boat ride on Windermere

It’s an easy 15 minute walk from Elder Grove B&B to Waterhead on Lake Windermere. Here you can choose from rowing boats, launches or steamers. There are short cruises to the Brockhole Visitor Centre and Wray Castle . Or head to Bowness and its many shops and restaurants plus attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter.

The longer sail to Lakeside takes you to The Lakes Aquarium. From there you can travel onwards by steam train to Haverthwaite and then it’s just a short bus link to the Lakeland Car Museum.

Leave the car behind – go by bus

Why not let someone else drive while you take in the magnificent views of the Lake District? Ambleside’s main Kelsick Road bus stop is just a two-minute walk around the corner. Find out more at GoLakes or we have bus timetables available.

From Easter to October the 599 service runs every 20 minutes to and from Grasmere and Bowness. It’s hourly during the winter months.

The main service buses of 555 or 556 run from Keswick to Kendal and Lancaster every hour Monday to Saturday. The 559 is open-top.

The service to Langdale and Hawkshead and Coniston runs every two hours. There’s also a bus service to Newby Bridge and down to Barrow.

For the ultimate sightseeing tour, the minibuses of Mountain Goat venture up our twisting mountain passes on half and full day guided tours.

Pedal power

Ambleside’s bike hire shops have everything you need to get you out and about. You can hire electric bikes from Country Lanes next to Windermere railway station. Brought your own set of wheels? We’d be happy to arrange secure storage for them.

Wallet-friendly savings

Whether you’re heading to a lake cruise or eating out locally, do let us know. We often have a range of discount vouchers for local attractions and eateries.