Ambleside is almost surrounded by woods and with mountains to the north, east and west. The waters of Windermere lie to the south. It is popular as a centre to explore the Lake District but also in particular as a base for outdoor activity holidays like mountain biking, hiking and climbing.

The town has a number of outdoor activity type shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

It is well provided with various types of accommodation including hostels for backpackers.

There is a good choice of Ambleside hotels within the built up area and in the nearby countryside but also others around the head of the lake, especially some splendid country house hotels with their own grounds.

Ambleside is a small town cradled by high fells not far from the head of Lake Windermere. A notable feature is the 17th century stone built Bridge House, a tiny two roomed building perched on the small bridge which crosses the Stock Ghyll, a stream (or beck) which passes through the town.

The A591 road connects Ambleside with other important Lake District towns, to the south with Windermere town and Kendal and to the north with Grasmere and Keswick. There is a wide choice of accommodation available including self-catering Ambleside cottages and apartments.

These include town centre terraced stone built cottages, other larger houses and some divided into apartments. They sleep mostly from two to six people but there are premises that can accommodate larger numbers. Two hostels, a backpacker’s independent and a Youth Hostel Association, are located near the town. A National Trust campsite at Low Wray is three miles to the south.