Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!

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Looking for the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain? Rain is common in the Lake District, so don’t be surprised if your trip is disturbed by a downfall. This post explains the best things to do if it starts to rain in Ambleside.

Ambleside is located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. It is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’ and is one of the most popular villages for tourists. Whilst Ambleside is a great base for some of the best walks in the Lake District, it’s also a great town to be in if it starts raining.

Let’s get started and discuss the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain!

Still have a question about the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

Other Lake District posts:

• Loughrigg Fell From Ambleside: Complete Beginner Guide
• Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (Essential Guide)
• BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (Guide)

Things to do in Ambleside in the Rain: A Summary

Let’s be honest; it rains a lot in the Lake District. If you’re coming from overseas and expect a sunny holiday in the north of England, think again! Even in the summer months (June – August), you can expect quite a few days of rain in this part of the world.

So, what is there to do in the Lake District in the rain? Luckily, there’s a whole lot to do in the area when it’s wet, and some of the best indoor or dry activities are listed below.

Where to stay in Ambleside

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants. Ambleside is also only a ten-minute drive from the Helm Crag walk starting point.

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!

• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

Getting around Ambleside

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to spend hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.

➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

10 best things to do in Ambleside in the rain

1. Hike Stock Ghyll Force

Whilst this might not sound like a rainy day activity, Stock Ghyll Force is actually one of the easiest and best walks to do in Ambleside – even when it’s raining.

Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is only a short walk from the centre of Ambleside. If you head out to the waterfall in the rain, it’s an easy walk through the woodlands, which will also protect you from the rain most of the time.

Pack a raincoat for your trip to the Lake District, and you’ll be just fine hiking Stock Ghyll Force. Just make sure you’re wearing sturdy hiking boots in case it becomes slippery!

Fancy seeing the Lake District caves that are over 200 years old? The Rydal Caves are a great, easy walk in the Lake District, and can either be added onto a Rydal, Ambleside or Loughrigg Fell walk. Or, head there in the morning and have a picnic! Need more info? Check out my detailed Rydal Caves travel guide here.

Related post: Best walks from Ambleside

2. Watch a movie at Zeffirelli’s Independent Cinema

Right in the heart of Ambleside is Zeffirelli’s Independent Cinema, which shows both the latest movies and old classics. It has five screens with daily showings, making it a perfect last-minute rainy-day activity.

As well as showing films, it has an on-site restaurant, live music and special events such as viewings of the opera and Royal Ballet performances. You can book tickets for the cinema here.

3. Have a pint in a traditional English pub

Ambleside is home to some of the best pubs in the Lake District. Most of these venues put on live music in the evenings, and some even hold quizzes during the week.

Pubs in England serve food from breakfast through to dinner, so if it’s raining heavily, you won’t need to leave. Most will also show live sports, have pool tables and dart boards, and a beer garden for when the rain disappears.

Did you know the Lake District is home to some of the best breweries in the country? Check out the Lake District brewery tours, news and events here!

Related post: Best pubs in Ambleside | Best pubs in Keswick

4. Browse the Armitt Museum and Library

The Armitt Museum and Library is located in the heart of Ambleside. It’s a museum, gallery and library full of interesting and unusual objects telling the history of Ambleside. The museum has regular exhibitions and events, and only costs around £6 to enter.

It’s home to over 19,000 books and 1,000 archaeological items, so you can spend some time whilst it’s raining learning about the heritage of the Lake District. You can either book tickets online or upon entry.

5. Visit St Mary’s Church

Another great activity for a rainy day in Ambleside is to visit St Mary’s Church (which could also be tied into a visit to the Armitt Museum).

St Mary’s Church is one of the most notable buildings in Ambleside and was built in the 1800s. It has a dramatic spire, sandstone walls and iconic stained glass windows.

The church is open to visitors all year round. You’re welcome to any services taking place, even if you’re not part of the regular congregation.

6. Visit the Beatrix Potter Museum

Whilst the Beatrix Potter Museum isn’t in Ambleside, it’s only a short drive away. The Beatrix Potter Museum is perfect for visitors to Ambleside of all ages and only costs £9 to enter.

As well as being able to experience everything Peter Rabbit-themed throughout the year, they also put on special events, so be sure to check out their website before your visit!

7. Treat yourself to a hearty meal in a restaurant

Ambleside is one of my favourite places to eat in the Lake District, as the high street is full of pubs and restaurants. If it’s raining, eating out at a nice pub or restaurant is one the best things to do. And if it’s in winter, pubs will light the fire and make it extra cosy! Some of the best pubs and restaurants in Ambleside include:

• Flying Fleece – for a proper pub lunch, serving everything from fish and chips to halloumi fries. Indoor or beer garden seating.
• Dodd’s – A chilled restaurant that offers everything from coffee to breakfast, and a late-night dinner. 
• Spice of Bengal – a traditional Indian restaurant if you’re fancying a late-night bhuna!
• The Priest Hole – for a great Sunday Roast.
• The Royal Oak – for a filling lunch and a pint of ale.
• Daisy’s Cafe – for homemade bakery goods.
• The Tap Yard – for a quick, cooked lunch serving traditional pub food

Related post: Best pubs in Ambleside | Best pubs in Keswick

8. Go shopping!

Whilst shopping might not be the first thing you think of when you think of the Lake District, it’s one of the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain.

Ambleside is full of outdoor adventure shops, independent bookstores, vintage clothes and antiques. From shops such as Mountain Warehouse, Gaynor and Blacks, you can spend an entire day strolling down the high street treating yourself to some new gear or a new book whilst it’s raining. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain!

9. Head to the Ambleside Climbing Centre

The Ambleside Climbing Wall Centre offers both indoor and outdoor climbing, so it’s a perfect rainy-day activity. It can even help you prepare for your bigger hikes when the sun’s back out!

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, you can have a climbing session led by a qualified instructor for around £30.

Related post: Best walks from Ambleside | Easiest walks in the Lake District

10. Visit Grasmere village

Grasmere is a small village around ten minutes from Ambleside. It’s one of the prettiest and most quintessential villages and is perfect for an afternoon walk or coffee.

Whilst most of Grasmere is outside, there are a few activities to do in Grasmere that are perfect for a rainy day.

Whether you pay a visit to William Wordsworth’s childhood home – Dove Cottage, or eat all the gingerbread you can stomach at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, you can shelter from the rain in Grasmere.

Related post: Best things to do in Grasmere

Things to do in Ambleside when it’s raining: FAQs

1) What to do in the Lake District when it’s raining?

The Lake District National Park can be enjoyed in the rain, but you just have to be prepared for it! Things to do on a rainy day in the Lake District include:

• Have a roast dinner in a cosy traditional pub
• Visit the Armitt Museum and Library
• Treat yourself to a meal out
• Have a cosy night in with your partner
• Go shopping in Ambleside
• Explore the Rydal Caves
• Take a sheltered boat cruise
• Go for a dip in Coniston Water
• Visit one of the Lake District’s climbing walls (such as Ambleside’s)
• Push yourself out your comfort zone and adventure
• Eat a tasty Indian in an Ambleside curry house with a pint of beer
• Have a look around the local churches
• Visit a local brewery
• Soak in the history at some of the Lake District’s local castles
• Embrace the rain during a wild swim or an easy local hike

2) What is there to do in Ambleside at night?

Ambleside has plenty of pubs and restaurants, and you can often find venues playing live music or doing pub quizzes. Some of the best things to do in Ambleside at night are:

• Have a late-night curry
• Enjoy live music in the pubs
• Have a stroll along the high street
• Do a pub quiz
• Check for any local events (bingo, pub crawls, DJs etc)

Weekly events in Ambleside (that can all be done in the rain!):

• The Lily: Open Mic night on a Sunday, DJs on Tuesdays, live music at the weekend.
• Royal Oak: Weekly curry nights and pub quiz.
• Churchills: Regular karaoke, bingo and quiz nights
• Queen’s Hotel: Pool table, jukebox, sports showings and music
• Ambleside Tavern: Late night dancing until 2am
• Unicorn Inn: Live folk music on Thursdays and Saturdays, occasional Open Mic nights on Saturdays
• Golden Rule: Darts and outdoor seating

**Remember to check the night of the event before making plans! The events can be found on the venues’ websites.**

3) Is it easy to park in Ambleside?

Yes, there are five main pay and display car parks in Ambleside. They are all within a short walking distance of the town centre.

If you need to hire a car for the Lake District, I recommend this comparison site.

4) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

5) What tours should I do in the Lake District? 

Looking to book a tour in the Lake District? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

If you’re visiting for the first time, the tours I recommend doing are:

• Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour: ➡ MORE INFORMATION + BOOKINGS
• William Wordsworth and Dove Cottage Half-Day Tour: ➡ MORE INFORMATION + BOOKINGS
• Beatrix Potter Tour: ➡ MORE INFORMATION + BOOKINGS

➡ You can check out available tours in the Lake District with prices here!

6) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Things to do in Ambleside in the Rain: In A Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other Lake District posts you might like:

• Blea Tarn Walk: What to Expect
• Getting Around the Lake District Without a Car (+ Solo Travel Tips!)
• What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide
• Best Breakfast in the Lake District: 10 Best Cafes
• Lake District for Couples: 31 Romantic Ideas

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