Top Family Friendly things to do in Ambleside 

The Lake District is a great place for families and children, and Ambleside is no exception. From boat trips, to little hikes and museum visits, here are some of the best things to do in Ambleside as a family… 

  • Camping 

Ambleside offers a great selection of family friendly campsites with plenty of space for kids to enjoy ball games and a night under the stars…

  • BaysBrown Farm 

First come first served, £10 per person, per night 

BaysBrown is a casual working sheep farm and family site suitable for both tents and campervans situated in the village of Chapel Stile, around 15 minutes away from Ambleside.  The Wainwright Inn pub is a 10-minute walk from the campsite and offers a variety of kid’s meals. 

  • Low Wray Campsite 

Prices vary during seasons starting at £26 a tent pitch for 2 nights

A National Trust campsite nestled on the western shoreline of Lake Windermere, Low Wray Campsite is a stunning site offering camping options such as tent pitches with waterfront, lake, meadow or woodland views, camping pods, safari tents and space for campervans. 

  • Skelwith Fold Caravan Park 

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park is an ideal family holiday for touring caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and woodland hideaways and situated 1.5 miles away from Ambleside. The large site offers pitches for tourers alongside their own glamping pods, safari tents and holiday cottages. The park is boarded by woodland and is a great place to spot wildlife such as roe deer, woodpeckers and red squirrels. 

  • Little Walks for Little Legs

Ambleside is an ideal place to walk with kids; from lakeside strolls to adventurous woodland trails, these routes have all you need to your little ones occupied and interested along the way! 

  • Ambleside Champion Tree Trail 

The Champion Tree Trail is a 45 minute circular route through Skelghyll Woods and is a fun day out for kids. The path is waymarked and follows tree symbols through the woodland where children can discover some of the tallest trees in England! The route passes three picnic benches for a little break and some snacks and follows historic woodland footpaths. After a short trek through the woods, you will be amongst  the tallest Wellingtonia and Douglas Fir trees in Cumbria and the tallest Grand Fir in England. Their heights are written on plaques attached to the trees.

  • Stock Ghyll Force 

A short but rewarding walk from Ambleside centre to Stock Ghyll Force is an ideal, family activity. The route leaves from Ambleside centre and follows signs named ‘Waterfalls’ , heading left behind the Salutation Hotel, taking you on a gentle stroll with a few steep sections through Stockghyll Woodland, up towards the waterfalls. Once at the top of the woodland path, there are two viewing platforms at either side of the waterfall. To make the work circular, head up to the footbridge straddling the falls and descend on the opposite side of the beck back to the town. There are a few spots for a picnic to rest little legs beside the pretty waterfalls! 

  • Windermere Boat Trip 

Take your little ones on an exciting boat trip from Waterhead exploring the waters of Lake Windermere upon a steam boat! Combine your cruise with fun family attractions on the lake, including Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, The World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle and Windermere Jetty Museum. Children travellers can board the boat for a cheaper price too!