Holiday rentals and lettings in Ambleside

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Ambleside?
• Holiday lettings in Ambleside: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Ambleside: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Ambleside?

• Choice of holiday lettings: From converted stone cottages in the market town to apartments with fell views and lakeside B&Bs, Ambleside has self-catering accommodation for couples, families and groups of walkers.
• Best areas to stay: Base yourself in the town centre for shops and pubs, by Waterhead for the lake, or out in the quieter fells for walking routes.
• Glowing guest reviews: Visitors consistently praise the spotless cottages and unbeatable locations between Lake Windermere and the surrounding Cumbrian fells.
• When to visit: Late spring and early autumn bring settled weather and quieter trails, while summer offers lake cruises and watersports.
• Things to do: Walk to Stock Ghyll Force, cruise the lake from Waterhead, tackle the Fairfield Horseshoe or try sailing at Low Wood Bay.

In Ambleside you'll find a wonderful range of self-catering accommodation, from converted stone holiday cottages in Ambleside in the heart of the market town to bright self-catering apartments with fell views and cosy bed and breakfasts a short stroll from Lake Windermere. Popular amenities to look out for include:

• Wi-Fi throughout
• Private gardens or patios
• Wood burners and open fires
• Off-road parking
• Pet-friendly options

Many holiday lettings sit within easy walking distance of the shops, pubs and the lake shore.

What are the best areas to stay in Ambleside?

The most convenient place to base yourself is Ambleside town centre, within walking distance of shops, pubs and the bus routes into the fells. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Ambleside's holiday lettings earn consistently glowing feedback for their spotless interiors, welcoming hosts and unbeatable access to the fells and lake. Many guests highlight how well placed they are for both the town and the great outdoors.

Here are our top-rated holiday lettings from the past year:

1. Top Notch - 10.0: A charming cottage for four with a private yard, praised for its cosy interiors and superb walking access right from the door.
2. Charming apartment with parking by Letmestay - 10.0: A bright, kid-friendly apartment with mountain views and rare on-site parking, ideal for families exploring the Lakes.
3. Hideaway Cottage - 10.0: A snug retreat for four with a private garden, loved for its peaceful setting and easy reach of the town.

Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere in the heart of Cumbria's Lake District, tucked into a valley between England's highest fells and the country's largest lake.

✈️What is the best way to get to Ambleside?

Getting to Ambleside is straightforward, with most visitors arriving by car or by a combination of rail and lake. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• By car: Ambleside lies just off the A591, the main road threading north–south through the Lake District. From the south, leave the M6 at junction 36 and follow the A590 and A591 via Kendal and Windermere, with the final stretch hugging the lake shore. Parking spaces in town fill quickly during holidays and weekends.
• By train: The nearest railway station is Windermere, around four miles away on a branch line from Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line, with regular connections from London, Manchester and Glasgow. From the station, a frequent bus or short taxi ride brings you into Ambleside.

🥗Where to eat in Ambleside?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Lake Road Kitchen is the best-rated restaurant in Ambleside. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Hannah and Rob recommend Sheila's Cottage in Ambleside: a much-loved spot for a proper afternoon tea and hearty Lakeland lunches after a morning out on the fells.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

Ambleside is a year-round destination, but late spring and early autumn arguably offer the finest balance of settled weather, quieter trails and golden light on the fells. July and August are the liveliest months, with full lake cruises and long days, whilst winter brings crisp, atmospheric walking and cosy nights by the fire.

Spring

• Best for: Walkers chasing daffodils, waterfalls in full flow and fewer crowds.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fresh greenery and the occasional bright, clear day.
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded, with the fells coming back to life.

Summer

• Best for: Families, watersports on Windermere and long days on the trails.
• Weather: The warmest, driest spell, though showers are always possible.
• Atmosphere: Busy and buzzing, with the town and lake at their liveliest.

Autumn

• Best for: Photographers and couples after golden colour and quiet pubs.
• Weather: Crisp and often clear, with chilly mornings and rich, low light.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and romantic as the summer crowds thin out.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Ambleside local experts, the Letmestay team behind this top-rated charming apartment with parking, recommend an early stroll up Loughrigg Fell for panoramic views over Windermere before the crowds arrive.

1. Walk up to Stock Ghyll Force
2. Cruise across Lake Windermere
3. Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe
4. Discover the historic Bridge House
5. Try watersports at Low Wood Bay

1. Walk up to Stock Ghyll Force

   Just a few minutes' walk from the town centre, Stock Ghyll Force is a spectacular 70-foot waterfall tumbling through ancient woodland. The well-marked circular path suits most abilities and makes a lovely short outing, especially after rain when the falls are in full spate. Look out for red squirrels in the trees and the remains of the old mills that once harnessed the ghyll's power.

2. Cruise across Lake Windermere

   From Waterhead Pier, a short stroll from the centre, you can step aboard a Windermere lake cruise and glide down England's largest lake. Sail south to Bowness and Lakeside, soaking up views of wooded shores and distant fells, or hop on and off to explore. The historic 'steamers' run year-round, with longer timetables in summer.

3. Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe

   For seasoned walkers, the Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the Lake District's classic ridge routes, starting and finishing in Ambleside. The roughly 11-mile circuit takes in a string of summits, including Fairfield itself at 873 metres, with breathtaking views across the central fells. Allow a full day, pack proper gear and reward yourself afterwards with a pint by the fire in one of the town's traditional pubs.

4. Discover the historic Bridge House

   In the heart of Ambleside stands the Bridge House, a tiny 17th-century cottage built on a single stone arch over Stock Ghyll. Now cared for by the National Trust, it is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lakes. Nearby, the Armitt Museum tells the story of the area's literary and artistic heritage, with links to Beatrix Potter and the Romantic poets.

5. Try watersports at Low Wood Bay

   On the shores of Windermere, Low Wood Bay is the place to get out on the water. The RYA-certified centre offers sailing tuition, plus waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and canoeing for all levels. Hire equipment for an hour or book a full course, then warm up afterwards in the lakeside spa.