Location: Ambleside
Top Things to do in Ambleside
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. 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).
3. 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.
4. Old Bank House Chocolate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Handmade chocolates and truffle made on the premises. Chocolate shoes, footballs and many more chocolate novelties come and see how they are made by our excellent chocolatiers. Family run business for over 26 years.
Reviewed By Horty57
Always visit when in the lakes but due to Covid missing our chocolate fix so we ordered online chocolates arrived today well packaged and just as yummy as ever thank you ❤️
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Beatrix Potter Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 651 reviews
This quirky building in the heart of Hawkshead displays original watercolours and work by Beatrix Potter, from the National Trust collection. It's the only place you can step inside the famous tales and get up-close to the original illustrations.
Reviewed By dunnka - Birmingham, United Kingdom
What a fantastic little place this is, many interesting g things to see and read, a lovely in sight to the life to the brilliantly talented Beatrix Potter, Staff are extremely friendly and polite and very knowledgeable. Would def return and 100% recommended
9. Waterhead Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 524 reviews
Reviewed By tcgGlasgow - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Went for the weekend, our forth/fifth visit and will come back next year for a week. If you like walking and the outdoors there is plenty to. You don't have to go up the hills. A nice gentle walk is from Waterside, get the walkers ferry ticket and go over to Bray Castle, a 4 mile walk will take you to Ferry House. A small Ferry will then take you to Bowness. When finished, get the ferry back to Ambleside. Nice day out. If you book the ferry online, you save £1.20 per adult ticket. Just remember to pick up your ticket before boarding
10. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's most beloved place, packed full of her favourite things and left just as she wanted it for visitors to enjoy. You will see why she loved it so much and used it and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children's tales. Your visit helps the National Trust continue her work to look after the Lake District.
Reviewed By josT2776NL - Belfast, United Kingdom
Fantastic loved it if you love Beatrix potter you will find it amazing seeing i she just to live all her own furniture and you can go up the stairs to her bedroom plenty of helpful staff for questions and fantastic gardens a gift shop there also
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