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 make sure you still know the best things to do in Ambleside, even if you need your raincoat!
Ambleside is one of the most well-known and popular towns in the Lake District, and it’s definitely one of my favourites.
Ambleside is located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere and is one of the most popular spots for tourists and first-timers to the Lake District to stay.
I’ve even booked a trip with my parents to Ambleside for their first ever visit in September!
But what is there to do in Ambleside in the rain?!
Unfortunately, it rains a lot in the Lake District.
Even in the summer months, you might get caught in a rain shower or storm. But that’s no reason to give up on your Lake District trip, as there are so many things to do in Ambleside in the rain.
In the following post, I’ve listed the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain, as well as other places around the Lake District National Park (in case you don’t mind jumping in the car for a rainy day activity).
So, let’s get started!
Other Lake District posts:
- BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2022 Guide)
- 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
- Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
- Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
- 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
Best things to do in Ambleside in the rain
1. Hike Stock Ghyll Force
Whilst this might not sound like a rainy day activity, it sure is.
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 protect you from the rain most of the time) and you can easily return to a warm coffee shop whenever it gets too much.
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 gets a bit slippy.
Looking for other walks from Ambleside? Check out my post: BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2022 Guide)
Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!
2. Take a trip to Zeffirelli’s Independent Cinema
Right in the heart of Ambleside is Zeffirelli’s Independent Cinema, which shows all the latest movies as well as some old classics.
It has 5 screens with daily showings, so it’s perfect for a last-minute rainy day in Ambleside.
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.
Plus, the decor inside the cinema is pretty unique too! It definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Ambleside!
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.
You only have to walk down the high street to find cosy pubs like the Flying Fleece, Tap Yard and the Priest Hole.
Most of these venues put on live music in the evenings, and some even hold quizzes during the week. A perfect rainy day activity in Ambleside!
Pubs in England serve food from breakfast through to dinner, so you can find a table and put your seat up for the day if necessary.
Most will also show live sport, have pool tables and dart boards, and a beer garden for when the rain disappears.
It’s one of the best things to do in Ambleside in the rain.
Not sure where the best pubs in Ambleside are? Check out my guide! Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
If you’re still booking flights, I recommend checking lastminute.com for the latest deals. Recently, we were able to save £50 on our flights just by booking through Last Minute!
4. Browse the Armitt Museum and Library
The Armitt Museum and Library is located in the heart of Ambleside. It is a museum, gallery and library full of interesting and unusual objects telling the history of Ambleside, so if you’re into your history, this is a great rainy day activity.
The museum has regular exhibitions and events, and only costs around £6 to enter (prices of summer 2022). You can either book tickets online or upon entry.
It’s home to over 19,000 books and 1,000 archaeological items, and you can spend a fair few hours getting lost in the museum learning about the heritage of the Lake District.
It’s a perfect rainy day activity in Ambleside.
Visiting the lakes in winter? I’ve listed the best things to do in the Lake District in winter here.
5. Visit St Mary’s Church
Another great activity for a rainy day in Ambleside is to visit St Mary’s Church. It can even be tied in to a visit to the museum, so you have a day full of history with a lunch stop in the middle!
St Mary’s Church is one of the most notable buildings in Ambleside and was built in the 1800s with a dramatic spire, sandstone walls and iconic stained glass windows.
The church is open to visitors all year round and welcomes you to any services taking place, even if you’re not part of the regular congregation.
Even if you stop off at the church for a wander, and then head into town to one of Ambleside’s iconic cake shops, it’s a great way to spend a rainy day in Ambleside.
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6. Visit the Beatrix Potter Museum
Whilst the Beatrix Potter Museum isn’t in Ambleside, it is only a short drive away.
The Beatrix Potter Museum is perfect for visitors to Ambleside of all ages and only costs £9 to enter (perfect on a backpacker budget!)
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.
🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰
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 of my favourite things to do. If it’s in the winter, most of the pubs will light a fire and make it extra cosy!
What more could you want?!
These are a few we personally tried and tested:
- 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, 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
Need more pub inspiration? Read all about the Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District here.
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: If you’re backpacking the UK, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every lake trip!
8. Go shopping!
Whilst shopping might not be the first thing you think of when you think of the Lake District, it is definitely one of the best things to do in the rain!
Ambleside is full of outdoor adventure shops, independent bookstores, and old trinket shops. Even when it was sunny I couldn’t pull myself away from window shopping!
From shops such as Mountain Warehouse, Gaynor and Blacks, you could 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!
A bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!
9. Head to the Ambleside Climbing Centre
Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a climber?
The Ambleside Climbing Wall Centre offers both indoor and outdoor climbing, so it’s a perfect rainy day activity in the Lake District. It can even help you prepare for your bigger hikes when the sun’s back out!
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced climber, you can have a climbing session led by a qualified instructor for around £30.
Love adventure? Check out my post for more ideas! Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)
Want to take photos or videos in the water (or rain)? You need a GoPro! I use mine every time I wild swim in lakes or the ocean. It’s an incredible way to keep your memories forever!
10. Visit Grasmere village
Whilst most of Grasmere is outside, there are a few activities to do in Grasmere that are perfect for a rainy day in the Lake District.
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 easily in Grasmere.
I’ve written a post all about Grasmere (because I think it’s pretty special) so you can check out some other Grasmere activities here.
Wild swimming and have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!
What to do in the Lake District when it’s raining?
Things to do on a rainy day in the Lake District (a summary):
- 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
- Take a sheltered boat cruise
- 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
- 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
The Lake District National Park CAN be enjoyed in the rain, you just have to be prepared for it!
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos? 📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)
What is there to do in Ambleside at night?
Ambleside is one of my favourite Lake District towns at night.
In fact, it has 8 pubs/bars all within 5-minute walks of each other.
It also 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.**
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!
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.
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!
What to pack for the Lake District (especially if it’s going to rain)
Heading to the Lake District and it’s forecasted to rain? Make sure you pack the following:
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
- An umbrella
- A waterproof day bag
- A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
- A portable charger
- Lots of layers
- Extra socks
- A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
- A waterproof backpack cover
- A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
- A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
Things to do in Ambleside in the Rain: In A Nutshell
So, there you have it.
The best things to do in Ambleside in the rain, and even what to do when it’s raining in the Lake District.
Personally, I love the rain. There’s nothing quite like staying warm and cosy in your lakeside cabin and listening to the thunder and lightning overhead.
I think all the rain makes the Lake District quite special!
Have something else that you think should be on the list? Let me know in the comments below!
Alternatively, chat to me over on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you.
Happy travelling (and enjoy the rain!)
Jennie 😀 x
Other Lake District posts:
- Best Breakfast in the Lake District: 10 Best Cafes (2022)
- Helm Crag walk from Grasmere – Everything You Need to Know
- 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
- 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
- Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
- Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
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