Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ambleside

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Ambleside from other articles such as Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do, Devon 21 days itinerary, Visit Cumbria.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ambleside

Lakes Aquarium
Lakes Aquarium
4.1 (2064 ratings)4 (798 ratings)
Aquarium with freshwater and marine life, featuring an underwater otter tunnel and stingrays.
Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8AS, United Kingdom
AquariumNature & ParksCafeGift shop
Mentioned by ivythwaitelodge.co.uk
Close Attractions - Ivythwaite Lodge, guest house in Windermere
"From mountain-top to Morecambe Bay the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on an amazing voyage of discovery. More than 30 spectacular, naturally-themed habitats bring the natural history of the Lake District vividly to life. Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of amazing creatures including trout, eels, pike, perch, giant crabs, rays and many more."
Mentioned by Visit Cumbria
Things to Do in Windermere | Attractions & Places to Visit
"From diving ducks to piranha, the aquarium houses native aquatic wildlife and more exotic species. Another of the most popular Windermere attractions, there’s also gift shop and a choice of restaurants. Located on Lakeside Pier where the boat and steam train trips call in….things to do here >>"
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in The Lake District
"On the quayside at the southern end of Windermere, this excellent aquarium has wildlife and waterside exhibits. One highlight is an underwater…"
National Trust - Wray Castle
National Trust - Wray Castle
4 (2613 ratings)3.5 (1631 ratings)
Neo-gothic 1800s castle featuring a kid-friendly interior with play rooms, plus lakeside grounds.
Low Wray, Ambleside, LA22 0JA, United Kingdom
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksCastles
Mentioned by Mini Travellers - Family Travel & Family Holiday Tips
6 Family Fun Adventures in Windermere | Lake District
"White Cross Bay is less than 5 minutes by car to Brockhole, where you can catch a boat to the other side of Lake Windermere to visit Wray Castle. On the way out you have to go to Ambleside first, get off the boat for 20 mins, re-board, and then set off for Wray Castle but on the trip back you go straight across to Brockhole. The Woodland Nature Play Trail at Wray Castle is great."
Mentioned by Visit Cumbria
Things to Do in Windermere | Attractions & Places to Visit
"One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building & a Peter Rabbit experience. On the shore of the lake, it’s great for sunny days too ….more things to do here >>"
Mentioned by ivythwaitelodge.co.uk
Close Attractions - Ivythwaite Lodge, guest house in Windermere
"Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic building at Claife in the English county of Cumbria. The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929, but the house has only recently opened to the public on a regular basis."
National Trust - Fell Foot Park
National Trust - Fell Foot Park
4.6 (1467 ratings)4.5 (369 ratings)
Family-friendly spot with cafe and space/facilities for games, picnics, swimming and boating.
Newby Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8NN, United Kingdom
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by lakesiderailway.co.uk
Visitor Attractions | The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
"Situated on the opposite shore of Lake Windermere to Lakeside Station, Fell-Foot National Trust park offers breath-taking views of Lake Windermere and the fells at the north end of the lake. During the summer season a ferry carries foot-passengers from Lakeside over to Fell-Foot where you can enjoy an ice-cream or picnic on the sweeping Victorian lawns while watching the boats and soaking in the atmosphere. Rowing boat hire is available, as well as an adventure playground for children."
Mentioned by Holgates Cottage Collection
Ten Of The Best Days Out In The South Lake District, Cumbria
"This park, operated by the National Trust, is located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and is the perfect place to relax with the family on a sunny day. Whether you just want to relax by the lake with a picnic or go for a paddle, or maybe even try your hand at paddle-boarding or kayaking, there’s loads to do, including a playground for the kids, all with the incredible mountain views in the distance."
Mentioned by Visit Cumbria
Things to Do in Windermere | Attractions & Places to Visit
"Things to do in this Windermere lake shore park include picnics, paddling, duck feeding and rowing boat hire. There is National Trust gift shop and tea room. Fell Foot is on the Windermere Lake Cruises route and connects to Lakeside Pier for other top Windermere attractions.….things to do here >>"
Brockhole on Windermere, The Lake District Visitor Centre
Brockhole on Windermere, The Lake District Visitor Centre
4.6 (2061 ratings)4 (1126 ratings)
Outdoor attraction with a range of activities, from mini-golf & zip-lines to kayaking & archery.
The Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere, LA23 1LJ, United Kingdom
Visitor centerArchery rangeArt galleryGardenGift shopHistorical landmarkOutdoor activity organiserPlaygroundRestaurantNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by Holgates Cottage Collection
Ten Of The Best Days Out In The South Lake District, Cumbria
"Brockhole is the official visitor centre of the Lake District, located on the shores of Lake Windermere. While it’s a great place to relax by England’s biggest lake, there’s also plenty to see and do during a visit to Brockhole, whether it’s simply walking through the meadows and woodland or having a go at the Treetop Trek course or even hiring a canoe to adventure onto Lake Windermere. As you can see, there’s so much to see and do for the whole family in the South Lakes area, so why not stop by for a few nights at Holgates holiday cottages here in Silverdale?"
Mentioned by Lake District National Park
Things to do in Windermere
"Enjoy the famous adventure playground, paddle in the lake, and explore the fabulous Mawson designed gardens with good pushchair and wheelchair access. Hire a boat on the lake, with motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddle boards for hire. Challenge yourself with archery, laser clay or inside caving."
Mentioned by Visit Cumbria
Things to Do in Windermere | Attractions & Places to Visit
"Brockhole, situated in 30 acres of gardens between Ambleside and Windermere, is the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre. One of the most popular Windermere attractions, it has its own landing stage, tree top trek, boat and bike hire, shop, tea rooms….see all things to do here >>"
National Trust - Wordsworth House and Garden
National Trust - Wordsworth House and Garden
4.5 (468 ratings)4.5 (423 ratings)
Historic former home of Wordsworth, featuring period details, tours & educational programs.
Main St, Cockermouth, CA13 9RX, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsEducational sitesHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in The Lake District
"Cockermouth was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, whose childhood home was this 18th-century town house, carefully…"
Rothay Park - South Lakeland District Council
Rothay Park - South Lakeland District Council
4.7 (401 ratings)
1 Vicarage Rd, Ambleside, LA22 9DH, United Kingdom
Park
Mentioned by southlakeland.gov.uk
Ambleside and Grasmere parks
"Rothay Park is a popular park situated in the centre of Ambleside, it is surrounded by a dramatic landscape and offers a gateway to some of the most beautiful fells in the Lake District. The park provides lots of opportunities for play and relaxation for both residents and visitors of all ages and abilities, from a full size football pitch and children's play area to picnic benches, large grassed areas and natural rock outcrops."
Derwentwater
Derwentwater
4.8 (261 ratings)5 (2581 ratings)
Bordered by fells & ancient woodlands, this 5-km.-long lake offers a network of footpaths & boating.
Keswick, UK
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water
Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve
Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve
4.6 (70 ratings)4.5 (31 ratings)
Cockermouth, CA13 9YL, United Kingdom
Nature preserveNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Windermere
Windermere
4.7 (942 ratings)4.5 (3633 ratings)
This large glacial ribbon lake features 18 islands, plus ferries & other boating activities.
United Kingdom
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water
Rydal Mount & Gardens
Rydal Mount & Gardens
4.5 (447 ratings)4.5 (242 ratings)
Wordsworth's rustic family home with displays of his work and portraits plus lake views and gardens.
Rydal Mount, Rydal, Ambleside LA22 9LU, United Kingdom
Historical place museumNature & ParksGardenHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Cumbria & the Lakes
"The poet William Wordsworth's most famous residence in the Lake District is undoubtedly Dove Cottage, but he actually spent a great deal more time at Rydal Mount, 1.5 miles northwest of Ambleside, off the A591. This was the Wordsworth family's home from 1813 until the poet's death in 1850 and the house contains a treasure trove of Wordsworth memorabilia. Bus 555 (and bus 599 from April to October) stops at the end of the drive."

Cheap Places to Eat in Ambleside

KFC Penrith
KFC Penrith
3.1 (1296 ratings)
Restaurant chain known for its buckets of fried chicken, plus wings & sides.
Bridge Ln, Penrith, CA11 8HW, United Kingdom
Fast food restaurantChicken restaurantChicken wings restaurantFried chicken takeawayTakeout Restaurant
Deniz Food
Deniz Food
4 (170 ratings)
6 Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PG, United Kingdom
Takeout Restaurant
Gianni's Pizzeria
Gianni's Pizzeria
4.3 (260 ratings)
11 Market Square, Penrith, CA11 7BY, United Kingdom
Italian restaurantPizza restaurant
Mentioned by Things To Do
Best European food near Penrith, England, United Kingdom
"11 Market Square, Penrith CA11 7BY EnglandItalian, Pizza, EuropeanLunch, Dinner, Late NightReservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service+44 1768 891791http://www.giannis-penrith.co.uk/"

Popular Gardens in Ambleside

Harris Park Bowling Club
Harris Park Bowling Club
4.4 (46 ratings)4.5 (12 ratings)
1 Parkside Ave, Cockermouth, CA13 0DR, United Kingdom
Lawn bowls clubNature & ParksPlaygroundsGardensParks
Stagshaw Garden
Stagshaw Garden
4.5 (158 ratings)
Tranquil woodland garden featuring walking paths through trees, shrubs & flowers.
Ambleside, LA22 0HE, United Kingdom
Garden
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
15 Best Things to Do in Ambleside (Cumbria, England
"The former regional agent for the National Trust, Cubby Acland, landscaped this picture perfect eight-acre garden by the lakefront on Waterhead’s south side. The lower part of the Jenkin Crag walk will lead you into this space. Half of the garden is cultivated, with magnolias, camellias, azaleas, embothriums, shrubs and rhododendrons, which do well in the Lake District’s acidic soils."
Borrans Park
Borrans Park
4.6 (102 ratings)4.5 (7 ratings)
1 MacIver Ln, Ambleside, LA22 0HJ, United Kingdom
ParkNature & ParksGardens
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
15 Best Things to Do in Ambleside (Cumbria, England
"If you need a picnic spot, or just somewhere to relax in front of Windermere, Borrans Park is a public green space at the lake’s northernmost tip just west of Waterhead. The park merges with the greenery around the Roman fort, and there are benches facing the water so you watch the steamers coming and going, and take in natural splendour the lakeshore. Behind you to the north and northeast are the brooding high fells of the Central Lakeland."
Mentioned by southlakeland.gov.uk
Ambleside and Grasmere parks
"Borrans Park has magnificent views of Windermere lake and is easily accessed from the A591. There are the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman fort with historical interpretation information in the adjacent field. The large grassed recreation area has picnic tables and ample seating."

Must See Sights and Landmarks in Ambleside Area

Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag
4.5 (175 ratings)
Dove Nest Cottage, Windermere, LA23 1LR, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksLookouts
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
15 Best Things to Do in Ambleside (Cumbria, England
"The car park in Waterhead can be the starting point for a picturesque two-hour walk in the ancient woodland above Ambleside, cresting at Jenkin Crag, a great vantage point above Windermere. Nearly all of the path is in thick woodland, and there are steps to make the going lighter on wet days. One of the loveliest sections guides you along the Ambleside Champion Tree Trail, which has England’s tallest grand fir."
Brougham Castle
Brougham Castle
4.5 (644 ratings)4.5 (178 ratings)
13th-century riverside castle with passages and spiral staircases to explore, plus valley views.
Moor Ln, Penrith, CA10 2AA, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksHeritage buildingHistorical landmarkAncient RuinsHistoric Sites
Grasmere
Grasmere
5 (18 ratings)4.5 (404 ratings)
Cozy village featuring William Wordsworth's cottage, various shops, trail access & striking views.
Ambleside, LA22 9PR, UK
WaterSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Ambleside

4.5 (145 reviews)
School House Cottage B&B and tea garden
cottage
$99 /night
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4.7 (191 reviews)
Brantholme Bed & Breakfast
bed & breakfast
$150 /night
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4.5 (478 reviews)
Southview Guest House and Indoor Pool
guest house/pension
$96.75 /night
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