Campsites near Ambleside, Cumbria

Pretty and historic Ambleside is recognised as one of the best bases from which to explore the Lake District. As idyllic as it sounds, this bustling little town is a mile north of Windermere, England’s largest lake. It offers one of the Southern Lakes' best launching points for discovering both the lake and the surrounding fells so it’s no surprise then that camping and glamping in Ambleside are popular ways to holiday here. Whether you choose to pitch your own tent on the shores of the lake or opt for the comfort and convenience of a Lake District glamping pad, you’ll be immersed in the awesome scenery that’s been attracting people here for centuries. And Ambleside’s pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and outdoor shops make it a convenient place to return after days out exploring. The Hipcamp experts have found traditional camping sites and glamping sites with bell tents, yurts, shepherd huts and camping pods right across the Lake District – and there’s no denying that some of the best of them are in and around Ambleside.

Things to do in Ambleside

You won’t be short of things to do during a camping or Glamping Holiday in Ambleside. Nearby Lake Windermere is a source of almost endless pleasure and Waterhead Pier is Ambleside’s closest launching point. You can hire kayaks and paddleboards or jump on board a bigger vessel for a cruise around the lake. Hop off at Bowness to explore the World of Beatrix Potter or take a longer cruise to the far southern end of this 10-and-a-half-mile lake to visit the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway or the Lakeside Aquarium. But Ambleside itself provides plenty of attractions. There’s its busy town centre with eateries, shops and even a cinema and, among it all, historic stone buildings including the much-photographed 17th-century Bridge House. Another Beatrix Potter attraction, her former home Hill Top, also dates from the 17th century and is not far away at Sawrey. History buffs may also want to take a peek at the remains of Ambleside Roman Fort.

A couple of miles outside Ambleside is the Grizedale Forest where cycle routes, nature trails and treetop adventuring are available and all this is not to mention the walking, fell running and climbing opportunities that so many head to the Lake District for. Situated between fells, Ambleside is the Windermere area’s walking hub with plenty of well-known trails starting and ending here. You can follow famous fell walker and writer Alfred Wainwright’s routes, take on the challenging climb to Red Screes or opt for shorter strolls to scenic spots overlooking the lake. For more information on walks and attractions in Ambleside, visit the Lake District National Park website.

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Whether you're hiking up Red Screes or canoeing on Lake Windermere, get outdoors and discover the best campsites around Ambleside in the Lake District with this collection of local campsite, all recommended by the travel experts at Hipcamp.