Living in Ambleside

Community life in Ambleside is deeply rooted in its traditions, local events, and appreciation for the surrounding landscape. The population is close-knit and collaborative, often coming together for regular markets, seasonal fairs, and cultural festivals such as the annual Ambleside Sports Day – a Cumbrian tradition since the 19th century.

The town is home to a variety of active local organisations, from walking and conservation groups to arts societies, which promote engagement and a strong sense of belonging. Venues such as the Ambleside Parish Centre serve as a hub for community activities, classes, and support networks.

Ambleside’s outdoor lifestyle is a defining feature, with residents enjoying direct access to iconic walking routes on Loughrigg Fell, Stock Ghyll Force, and the shores of Windermere. The sense of local pride and environmental stewardship translates into well-kept public spaces and a welcoming attitude to new arrivals and visitors alike.

Safety and low crime rates in Ambleside are among its strongest draws for residents and visitors alike. The town and its surroundings are widely recognised as being among the safest areas within Cumbria, with crime predominantly limited to petty theft and occasional traffic incidents, largely due to influxes of tourists during peak periods.

Local policing is proactive with a visible presence, and the community benefits from close ties to Cumbria Constabulary, which works with local groups to promote crime prevention and awareness. Public spaces and popular walking routes are well-maintained and generally considered secure, especially in daylight hours. Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and active community forums help further enhance the sense of safety.

While all areas can experience occasional anti-social behaviour, Ambleside is regarded as a particularly safe place to live, work, and visit, making it attractive to families, retirees, and solo adventurers.

Parking in Ambleside is shaped by its popularity as a tourist destination and its compact historic layout. While the town offers several pay-and-display car parks (including Rydal Road and Lake Road), spaces can be limited at peak visitor times, especially in summer and school holidays. On-street parking is available in some areas but often requires a resident permit. Local authorities also manage controlled parking zones to prioritise residents and discourage long-term visitor parking in residential streets.

Congestion is generally light in the off-season, but main roads—including the A591, which links Ambleside directly with Kendal and Keswick—can become busy during weekends and holidays. The A593 offers access towards Coniston, and the nearby M6 motorway provides easy connections for longer journeys.

Proximity by road to major locations:
Kendal – approx. 30 minutes via A591 (15 miles)
Keswick – approx. 40 minutes via A591 (17 miles)
Coniston – approx. 20 minutes via A593 (9 miles)
Windermere – approx. 15 minutes via A591 (4 miles)
Lancaster – approx. 1 hour via A591/M6 (34 miles)

Ambleside is renowned for its dynamic food scene and welcoming pubs, offering a mix of traditional Lakeland hospitality and contemporary dining. The town boasts numerous cosy pubs such as The Golden Rule and The Unicorn Inn, beloved for their atmosphere and local ales. Gourmet restaurants, including The Old Stamp House, which holds a Michelin star, draw food lovers from far afield with regionally inspired menus.

Cafés and tearooms such as Rattle Ghyll and The Apple Pie Bakery offer homemade cakes, artisan coffee, and a welcoming spot for walkers and locals alike. Takeaway options include traditional fish and chips, wood-fired pizza, and international fare catering for varied tastes.

Nightlife in Ambleside is on the relaxed side, with more focus on sociable pubs and live music than nightclubs. Zeffirellis, a combined cinema and jazz bar, provides a unique cultural hub, regularly hosting live music, independent films, and special events. While the overall nightlife is low-key compared to larger towns, Ambleside’s blend of characterful pubs, quality eateries, and local entertainment makes it an attractive place for socialising and unwinding.

School Quality: Schools in Ambleside and surrounding villages provide a supportive learning atmosphere and a focus on outdoor education, with generally good Ofsted ratings.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from open access to parks, riverside areas, and world-class countryside trails, encouraging exploration and active play.

Childcare: Early years childcare and nursery options are available locally, and many facilities cater well to working parents or those seeking flexible arrangements.

Safety: Low crime rates and a strong sense of community help create a safe, reassuring setting for children to thrive.

Family Activities: Ambleside offers a wealth of family-friendly pursuits, from sailing on Lake Windermere to visits to nearby attractions including Brockhole on Windermere and local adventure playgrounds.

Ambleside’s location at the heart of the Lake District makes it exceptionally pet-friendly, especially for dog owners. Countless walking routes start from the town, including easy access to fells, riverside paths, and quieter countryside lanes, all providing stimulation and exercise opportunities for pets.

Local amenities include veterinary clinics and pet supply stores, while many pubs, cafés, and some accommodation options are explicitly dog-friendly. Attitudes towards pets are generally positive, and responsible pet ownership is well supported by the community. Open green spaces, woodlands, and nearby lakes make Ambleside an excellent choice for households with pets who enjoy exploring the outdoors.

Ambleside’s spectacular but rural location offers a range of transport options suitable for both locals and visitors wishing to explore the Lake District and beyond. While the town itself is compact and easily navigated on foot or by bicycle, broader journeys are facilitated by a combination of bus routes and nearby train stations.

The town is well served by regular buses linking Ambleside with Windermere, Kendal, Keswick and other Lake District locations. The Windermere train station, situated just over four miles south, is the nearest railway point and connects passengers to the West Coast Main Line via Oxenholme. From there, swift train services are available to major cities such as Manchester, Preston, Lancaster, and London.

For air travel, the closest airports are Manchester Airport (around 90 minutes by car or train) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, both offering domestic and international flights. Ambleside’s road network links directly with scenic but sometimes winding A-roads, and is also within a reasonable drive of the M6 motorway at Kendal.

Typical public transport times:

• Kendal – approx. 35 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by car
• Windermere – approx. 15 minutes by bus
• Manchester – approx. 2 hours by train (via Oxenholme)
• Keswick – approx. 50 minutes by bus
• London – approx. 3.5 hours by train (via Oxenholme)

Ambleside is well-served by a selection of schools that cater to children from early years through to secondary education, although further education options often require travel to nearby towns. The picturesque setting provides a unique and inspirational learning environment for students of all ages.

Primary Schools
Ambleside Church of England Primary School is the main primary school for the town and surrounding villages. It has a reputation for fostering a nurturing environment and integrating outdoor learning, rated as 'Good' by Ofsted in its most recent inspection (2019). Nearby Windermere School offers another strong option, blending innovative teaching with a beautiful Lakeland setting.

Secondary Schools
Due to Ambleside's size, students often attend secondary schools in nearby locations. The Lakes School in Troutbeck Bridge is within easy reach and offers education for 11-18 year-olds, rated as 'Requires Improvement' by Ofsted in 2022, but recognised for its pastoral care. Keswick School, about 17 miles to the north, is an academy with a strong academic reputation and an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating (2022).

Sixth Forms, Colleges, and Independent Schools
For further education, students typically travel to Kendal College, which offers a range of sixth form, vocational, and apprenticeship options and was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2017. Independent options include the aforementioned Windermere School, which educates students from nursery through to sixth form and offers both day and boarding places. Dallam School in Milnthorpe is another choice, with both secondary and sixth form provision.

Universities
Ambleside hosts the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus, specialising in outdoor studies, conservation, and forestry. This presence brings a dynamic student aspect to the town and enhances local access to higher education and academic events.