Hotels in Ambleside

Ambleside's accommodation is spread across a compact town centre, the lakeside harbour at Waterhead, and the quieter hillside lanes just above both, so the choice tends to come down to how close you want to be to the shops and pubs versus the water. The centre itself holds the greatest concentration of places to stay, many of them Victorian villas and former coaching inns converted over the decades, within easy walking distance of Bridge House, the outdoor shops and the start of routes up onto Loughrigg and Wansfell.

Waterhead adds a different character again, with a small number of hotels and inns positioned right on the lake shore, a short stroll from the steamer pier and the Roman fort, suited to anyone who wants the water on their doorstep rather than the town centre. Guests touring by car sometimes prefer this option purely for the views, accepting a slightly longer walk into the main shopping streets in exchange for a quieter setting in the evenings.

Standards across the town run from simple, well-kept guest houses with a handful of rooms to boutique hotels with award-winning restaurants attached, so there is a genuine spread of price and style rather than a single dominant type of stay. Many of the smaller properties operate to only eight or ten bedrooms, and demand is strong throughout the summer walking season and around bank holidays, so booking well ahead is worthwhile for anyone with fixed dates. Car parking is at a premium in the town centre, and several properties without their own private parking rely on nearby pay-and-display car parks, worth checking before you arrive if you're travelling with a vehicle.