Location: Ambleside
Top Things to do in Ambleside
10 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Ambleside That You Shouldn't Miss
Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, in North West England. Historically within the county of Westmorland, it is situated at the head of Windermere, England's largest water. The town is within the Lake District National Park.
Restaurants in Ambleside
1. Ambleside Climbing Wall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 230 reviews
Indoor climbing venue suitable for all ages in the heart of The Lake District! Offering Taster sessions, Private Lessons, Children's Clubs and Climbing for Experienced climbers and beginners alike. We are open throughout the week, see opening times, session details and info on outdoor climbing at "www.amblesideadventure.co.uk". Our parent company Adventure Peaks also offers a wide range of outdoor activities; from local treks to climbing some of the World's largest mountains. Get in touch for more information!
Reviewed By samlQ50OP
Me and my family were on a trip to the Lake District and staying in Ambleside, which is a very nice town overall, and most of the time was climbing mountains and such like. However, on our last day, it was raining hard, but we still wanted to do something and this climbing wall had caught our eye. Located above a climbing shop at the bottom of the hill our house was on, it was situated perfectly for a quick rainy walk to the place and the same back. When we got there, my dad, my two sisters and I (my mum stayed at home) were met by our very entertaining and enthusiastic climbing instructor, George. And by George, he was amazing, a perfect balance of help and playful support. After finding the correct size of climbing shoe, which could be rented out at a very reasonable price considering the amount they helped once on the wall, we were immediately taken into the bouldering room, and taught the basics of climbing walls and then took part in challenges. The best thing was, it didn’t matter how good you were as there were challenges that suited everyone. Then we were taken into the impressive climbing wall room, and those walls were high! After a quick briefing of the harnesses and pulley system we were ready to go. There was an easier wall and a harder wall. Me and my dad started on the harder wall (as we were similar weights) and I was climbing while he was belaying (controlling my rope and keeping me from dying). I reached the top first try, but don’t let that fall you, I’ve climbed before and it wasn’t easy by any means! After coming down, George then challenges me to do the wall only using green handholds, and that time the wall beat the man. I just couldn’t do it. But it was very fun to try. Then we all rotated and my dad was climbing while I belayed him. He didn’t do as well as me as he is scared of heights. But when we switched to the easier wall, after some supportive words before he started and some while he was on the wall, meant he did manage to reach the top! He was VERY happy when he came down. As I had done well on the hard wall, George just set me hard challenges on the easier wall and I enjoyed myself immensely just trying to figure out how to beat them. Once the climbing shoes were off and bid fair well to George, we went and had a quick bite in the cafe above the wall, which had a viewing window which allowed an easy view of the wall and those on it, and some parents were sitting up there watching kids of their own doing it, and I found it fun to marvel at those who looked like professionals, jumping up and down the wall with ease. Afterwards, when we got back to the house I collapsed on a chair with aching arms and legs, but very proud of what I’d done. All in all, an excellent experience every wall I attempted, and am looking forward to doing it again next year (hopefully).
2. Mountain Journeys
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 226 reviews
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Whether it be Family Adventure, Guided Walk, Navigation course, Rock Climbing, Rock Scrambling, Gorge Scrambling, Canyoning, Abseiling, or any combination of these, we’re here to help ensure you experience the very best of Lakeland's great outdoors. Single day walk or longer itineraries, we can build a bespoke package that's just for you.
3. Graythwaite Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
Graythwaite Adventure offers a range of country sports and adventure activities, including 4x4 off road driving on the Lake District’s only purpose built BORDA approved course, clay pigeon shooting, archery, canoeing, sit on top kayaks, paddleboarding, bushcraft and more on the private 5,000 acre estate on the shores of Lake Windermere, perfect for families, groups and corporate events. Winners of the Cumbria Tourism Experience of the Year 2019 Award.
4. Hayley Webb Mountain Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
I am a qualified summer and winter mountain leader providing bespoke, fun adventure days for all ages. Based in Hesket Newmarket in the Northern Lake District, guided mountain walks, navigation courses, wild camping, via ferrata, ghyll scrambling and international trekking trips are some of the activities on offer. Group walks and private bespoke days available. Check out my Facebook for open events available to book onto, or contact me for your personal adventures alone or with friends and family.
5. Rock n Ridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Operating from the Lake District national park, we specialise in outdoor activities for individuals, teams and groups. Offering Mountain Guiding, Rock Scrambling & Climbing days, Ghyll and Canyon tours, Mountain Biking, Expedition and wilderness camping, Canoeing, Winter walking and Winter techniques. We can offer self catering or fully catered trips which run from our base outside Kendal - Cumbria. This makes a perfect base for groups as we sleep up to 25 adults or children, in a cosy 'Alpine style' lodge accommodation. Get in touch for further details.
6. Grizedale Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 940 reviews
Scenic forest located in England's Lake District that serves as a recreation center for hiking and mountain biking, plus an outdoor "art museum" with numerous sculptures scattered throughout the forest.
Reviewed By 758kristenc - London, United Kingdom
This place is fantastic! There are a huge range of activities and trails to explore - bikes to hire, a children's play area, informative staff, basic cafe, Go Ape centre, fabulous pottery and printmaking businesses, art displays, and gorgeous natural attractions. With four hard-to-please London teenagers, it was touch and go as to whether they would be entertained by a day in 'the outdoors' but we chose the orienteering course and they spent a fabulous couple of hours, getting somewhat lost, but then finding their way back. Super that you can bring your dog and let them off-lead. It's a beautiful place with well-marked trails and differing levels of challenge depending on your fitness/time-constraints. Parking isn't cheap (£8 for the day) but it is plentiful. We brought a packed lunch and enjoyed ice-cream/drinks only at the cafe. As in all these places, the food is average and overpriced, but at least there are options if you don't have enough with you! I thoroughly recommend the forest for a great day out (with or without dog and/or children). Had the children not got lost on the orienteering course, we could have done another walk and also a Go Ape adventure.
7. Go Ape Grizedale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 771 reviews
Our adventure near Hawkshead (the jewel in our crown) has always proved a popular day out. Built on a side of a hill, it feels seriously high. And that's because it is. Enjoy our epic Tree Top Adventure in the Lakes. Swinging through the canopy, wiping out at the bottom of zip wires and going on an adventure brings people together like nothing else we've ever seen. It really does. You'll fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy 18 metres up a magnificent Douglas Fir. You and your tribe can expect the ultimate adventure at Grizedale. You can get off the beaten track and enjoy our NEW forest adventure with Go Ape Forest Segway - an epic experience with a down to earth twist. And Grizedale Forest is also home to our Tree Top Junior Adventure for Tiny Tarzans. Release your little monkeys onto a Go Ape course designed for them. No one loves adventure more than kids! Zip Trekking Adventure is a brand NEW experience. The course is a network of seven tandem zip lines that traverse the sky-scraping Douglas Firs at Grizedale Forest, providing customers with an exhilarating experience of flying way above the forest floor, and seeing the area in a completely new way. Please arrive 15 minutes before Zip Trekking Adventure.
Reviewed By 308grahamn - Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
Although it rained from the moment we arrived to when we left we had great fun doing the Treetop Challenge and then on a Segway for a trip around the amazing forrest. The family all had great fun!
8. Kirkstone Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By PollyM_11
As challenging as Top Gear's stunts, this is a lovely drive down from the tops near Troutbeck into Ambleside. Scenery is superb and fortunately there are places to pause for the views.
9. Grizedale Mountain Bikes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Grizedale Mountain Bikes is a mountain bike shop and a bike hire centre at the heart of Grizedale Forest in The Lake District. Our shop stocks biking clothing and accessories from Madison, Fox, Lazer and many more. We also regularly sell off our ex-hire mountain bikes. These bikes have been used in our hire fleet and maintained by professional bike mechanics, making them a fantastic 2nd hand bike! The hire centre caters for all riders from 1yr old upwards. We have trailers and tag-a-longs for younger riders, through to full suspension bikes for more ambitious riders. The trails are all suitable for family's - but be warned - it is hilly. Hire prices start at a 1/2 day hire prices... £20 for a standard bike (suitable for the gravel tracks though the forest) £25 for a Premium bike (for use on the north face trail and the bridal ways) £30 for an electric bike (definitely not cheating!) £10 for a kids bike (24" or 20" wheel - this depends on the size of the child) £22 trailer/tag-a-long
Reviewed By GoodisonEffect - Southport, United Kingdom
My wife and I are in our mid fifties and don't bike or mountain bike. However we wanted to do something different that would get us a bit of fresh air and give us a bit of a challenge. We booked online which was all very easy (Hardtail bike) even down to the sizing. We were expected and the young man on the desk was very polite and helpful. He directed us outside to Ethan (hope I spelled that right Ethan) and again a great service was the order of the day. As first timers, the (green) trail was certainly a challenge and there were plenty of uphill bits. However if you are reading this thinking that it would be too hard for you - have a go. We got off and pushed a few times or had water stops when we needed to get our breath back. As others have said the electric bikes are also an option. The views were misted but still lovely and a particular mention for the bikes. They were a world away from my Raleigh Grifter which in hindsight must have weighed more than my first car. Great suspension, excellent brakes and really light - much better then I was expecting. The dreaded posterior ache arrived much later than we anticipated. Anyway, we had a great morning and found the whole set up professional and friendly. It was a good time of year to go too - quiet with just the odd serious biker overtaking us. We would both recommend without hesitation and if you are like us (getting on a bit, novices and a little concerned about your ability) - give it a go. Just a note on cost. £25 per bike for half a day is a great price in our opinion. It includes a helmet and the team will come out and recover you if something goes wrong. I would have to do a lot of mountain biking before it became a bad option. We will certainly be back. Thanks everyone.
10. Adventure Peaks
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Climbingken
Thanks to Adventure Peaks for yet another excellent expedition. Very well organised, excellent local and British guides giving sound advice on the best opportunity for summiting. An excellent itinerary enabling optimal acclimatisation. The laid back but professional guides created a relaxed and fun environment for our group to bond well. Great meals especially at base camp. Can’t wait to plan my next adventure.
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