11 Best Things To Do In Ambleside, England

1. Stock Ghyll Force

Off the beaten path near the village of Ambleside, it’s an amazing walk beside the river up to the waterfalls. It is a fair climb to the top but well worth it. The views all the way to the waterfall are awesome.

The sight of the old water mills on the way up to the waterfall is interesting. The soothing sound of rushing water, shade from the trees, stunning viewpoints of waterfalls and beautiful scenery all are overwhelming. The main fall is quite fantastic.

Stock Ghyll Force

Address: 6 Stockghyll Ln, LA22 0QT Ambleside, UK

Website: Stock Ghyll Force

2. Kirkstone Pass Inn

A great little Inn, the old Kirkstone Pass, situated amidst breathtaking scenery and a unique setting, is perfect for seeing some of the world’s most beautiful countryside. The rooms are spotless with comfortable beds and the staff is very good. They serve a great breakfast and delicious meal in the evening with plenty to choose from.

Kirkstone Pass Inn

Address: Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9LQ Ambleside, UK

Website: Kirkstone Pass Inn

3. Hayes Garden World

Spacious and well laid out with numerous staff members, Hayes Garden has everything from plants to tropical fish. There are many things to see in different sections: garden plants, clothes, household, gifts, books, and a cafe, all of good quality and quite impressive. The furniture department has a massive choice of garden furniture and barbecue equipment and the clothes department has numerous tempting things.

Their Christmas display in December is awesome. The garden center sells a vast array of items that are suitable for gifts at reasonable prices. It is a great place to spend a few hours.

Hayes Garden World

Address: Lake Rd, LA22 0DW Ambleside, UK

Website: Hayes Garden World

4. Go ape at Grizedale Forest Cumbria

It’s a great ropes course with huge zip wires across it. The adrenaline thrill of the zip trekking, the big Tarzan swing, Segway and others are a bit scary but fun. The staff members are supportive and knowledgeable.

The views while zipping down the zip wires are stunning. There is also a visitor center and cafe for walking, cycling or just hanging out. This is a great place for people of all ages.

Go ape at Grizedale Forest Cumbria

Address: Go Ape, Grizedale, Hawkshead LA22 0QJ, United Kingdom

Website: Go Ape at Grizedale Forest Cumbria

5. Loughrigg Fell

This is a fantastic walk up from Ambleside, a little steep, but the panoramic view at the top compensates for it. It’s one of the most beautiful and accessible falls with great views from all sides from Langdale to Fairfield and Wansfell. The mesmerizing views vindicate William Wordsworth’s love for the place.

Loughrigg Fell

Address: Cumbria, England

Website: Loughrigg Fell

6. Beatrix Potter's house

This is a beautiful cottage set in a beautiful countryside, a 10-minute stroll through the charming little village, to the house and gardens. The small but wonderful house portrays fascinating insights into the world of Miss Potter. The rooms are very dark to protect the furnishings. Timed tickets are available at the back of the car park. The house guides are cooperative and have a vast amount of knowledge about both the house and Beatrix Potter.

Beatrix Potter's house

Address: Near Sawrey, LA22 0LF Ambleside, UK

Website: Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House

7. Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead

The collection is in Beatrix Potter’s husband’s old office building. The gallery showcases different pieces of her work through the year. The feel of examining original sketches and annotations of Beatrix Potter’s characters and her personality from close quarters is fabulous.

There are displays and pictures from the books, small excerpts, along with drawings on both floors. It is very interesting to look at the building and the artwork inside. With many original drawings and photographs on display, the Beatrix Potter Gallery is well worth a visit.

Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead

Address: Main St, Hawkshead, LA22 0NS Ambleside, UK

Website: Beatrix Potter Gallery (Hawkshead)

8. Ambleside Waterhead

It has all you need for a day out on the tourist boat. The lake area has plenty of boating activities and there is a public jetty to launch your canoes. There is also a nice lakeside pub.

There are many walks from here amidst some breathtaking scenery. You can walk to Ambleside Center in around 15 minutes for shops, pubs, and restaurants. There are plenty of individual shops and places to eat at or sit and enjoy a quiet holiday place.

Ambleside Waterhead

Address: Lake Rd, LA22 0ER Ambleside, UK

Website: Ambleside Waterhead

9. Rydal Mount & Gardens

William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s house is an elegant insight into the 19th century as well as Wordsworth life and poetry. The picturesque house is attractive with informative data in all the rooms. The gardens are exceptional, tranquil, and well maintained. You get a feel for the poet, his family, and their lives while living there. You can imagine him wandering around the gardens or sitting in his house while dreaming up his poetry.

Rydal Mount & Gardens

Address: Rydal Mount, LA22 9LU Ambleside, UK

Website: Rydal Mount & Gardens

10. Eden Valley Adventures

Canoeing and Ghyll Scrambling with instructor Sam is fantastic. Sam is quite cooperative in training to canoe and manages the Ghyll Scrambling. Eden Valley Adventures is fantastic for outdoor fun. Sam is quite conscious of safety and takes proper care of his clients.

Eden Valley Adventures

Address: 3 The Square, Kirkoswald, CA10 1DF Penrith, UK

Website: Eden Valley Adventures

11. Wray Castle

This castle is impressive from the outside, but upon entering, you discover that the house is empty so if you are not members of the national trust, you are paying 10 USD each to look around a few empty rooms. You have to go on the tour to get the most from your visit, which is quite interesting. However, if you have children with you, there are rooms filled with dressing up clothes, a pretend garden, loads of imaginative play opportunities, a home corner, and a camping room.

Wray Castle

Address: Ordnance Survey - NY 375010 Hawkshead, United Kingdom

Website: Wray Castle

Land of the great nature poet William Wordsworth

Laced with rich history and heritage, the land of the great nature poet William Wordsworth, Ambleside is the pride of the UK. Ambleside offers everything from waterfalls to panoramic scenes, craft shops, and galleries, to the many eating and drinking establishments. Its beauty is to be seen to be believed.