Location: Ambleside
Top Things to do in Ambleside
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Ambleside, England
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. Loughrigg Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By mgsnorwich - Norwich, United Kingdom
From Skelwith Bridge follow the footpath round Loughrigg Tarn to the Grasmere road and then take the footpath on the right to Loughrigg Terrace where you are rewarded with a panoramic view over Grasmere. There is a path down to the waterside but continue on the terrace down to the waterside path round Rydal Water. When you come to the road turn right and follow the road by the river until it turns sharply left at which point leave the road and climb up a steep path to the shoulder of Loughrigg whence the path goes all the way back down to Skelwith. The”Loughrigg Round” is an excellent half day’s walk.
2. Fairfield Horseshoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By RobbieBStockport
Like all Lakeland walks, one not to be underestimated even in good weather conditions. The path is easy to follow and usually a walker will have the company of many others enjoying the fells. The only steep ascent/descent depending on whether the walk is done clockwise or anti-clockwise overlooks Rydal Hall but in all other respects it is not a serious physical challenge for serious walkers. Whether a hiker would agree having experienced driving rain, low cloud, high winds and limited visibility especially when negotiating Fairfield itself is another matter!
3. 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.
4. Rydal Mount & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Rydal Mount, the last family home of William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850, now belongs to the direct descendants of the Poet and remains a lived-in family home. The dining room, part of the old Tudor cottage, with its original flagged floor and oak beams, contrasts pleasingly with the larger proportions of the drawing room and library, added in 1750. The house contains works of art, furniture, manuscripts and many of the Poet's books and personal possessions, reflecting his life here. Wordsworth was a keen landscape gardener and the four acre garden remains very much as he designed it, consisting of fell-side terraces, lawns, rock pools and a 9th century Norse mound. There are rare shrubs and, in season, the daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons produce a spectacular display.
Reviewed By 752soniah
Lovely visit; the tour guides are very friendly and the house itself has lots of information as you walk though it. The gardens are beautiful, so many little nooks and crannies to find and beautifully laid out. Would definitely recommend.
5. Copt Howe
6. 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!
7. Rydal Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Situated in the heart of the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage site, Rydal Hall Gardens have developed from the 1600s until the present day with formal gardens, woodlands and iconic landmarks to explore. The gardens and estate are open daily throughout the year. Entry is free, although donations towards garden maintenance and development are greatly appreciated. Designed and built by renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson, the formal gardens are a fine example of Arts and Crafts design in a wonderful setting.
Reviewed By iangE5017NA - Lake District, United Kingdom
Beautiful gardens and sculpture s great value for money (it's free) cafe by the waterfall very idyllic setting and romantic , giant chess on the diamond lawn, free parking and the bothy to visit the waterfall and the otters in the pool a very glorious gardens in all weathers
8. Moss Eccles Tarn
9. Rydal Hall Sculpture Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By litad552018 - Southampton, United Kingdom
Had a lovely walk through the woods - it was really exciting spotting the sculptures which blend in beautifully with the scenery. Loved the little woodland animal houses. Super idea and enjoyable for all ages.
