Ambleside on the map

Ambleside built-up area

Built-up area1.2 km² (0.5 sq mi)

Location in CumbriaAmbleside sits where the marker shows within the county.

5,675
Population
2,258
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
10
Schools nearby
£40,421
Avg. household income
459
Businesses
37
People per km²
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About Ambleside

Ambleside is a town in the heart of the Lake District, within the county of Cumbria in north-west England. It lies at the southern end of Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, and is easily accessible from the A591 road. The town centre features a mix of traditional stone buildings and modern shops, with a market square that hosts regular events throughout the year. Ambleside is a popular base for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to nearby fells such as Grasmere and Rydal Water. The town has a range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the surrounding countryside. Its location provides a good balance between natural beauty and practical amenities. The postcode area for Ambleside is LA22.

School Ratings in Ambleside

There are 10 schools in and around Ambleside. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ambleside

The average property price is £544K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £763K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ambleside

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is prevalent across Ambleside, with 3 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ambleside

Ambleside sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Ambleside

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Ambleside, the nearest being Ambleside Health Centre (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 951 sales

Average Price £544K
£100 , £5.56M
Detached £763K 241
Semi £532K 103
Terraced £399K 231
Flat £323K 174

Household Income in Ambleside ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ambleside is approximately £40,421 a year before tax, 27% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,534. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ambleside £40,421
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,534.

Businesses in Ambleside ONS 2025

There are approximately 459 active businesses based in Ambleside, around 81 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

459 Total businesses
81 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ambleside IMD 2025

Ambleside sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 10%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 28%
580 Children (0-15) 10%
3,518 Working Age 62%
1,572 Older (65+) 28%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.6% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Ambleside 22 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Ambleside records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 13
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Public Order 3
Burglary 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Staveley Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 3 stations

Windermere Train Station 4.4 miles
Staveley (Cumbria) Train Station 7.1 miles
Burneside (Cumbria) Train Station 9.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Lakeland
County Cumbria
Ward Ambleside & Grasmere
Constituency Westmorland and Lonsdale
Parish Lakes
Region North West

Home Ownership in Ambleside

Of the 2,522 households in and around Ambleside, 54% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 24% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 54% Social rented 22% Private rented 24%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Ambleside.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ambleside

What is the population of Ambleside?
Ambleside has a population of approximately 5,675 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ambleside?
The average property in and around Ambleside sold for about £543,985, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 56% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ambleside a deprived area?
Ambleside sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Ambleside?
Ambleside is covered by the LA22 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ambleside?
There are 10 schools within easy reach of Ambleside, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ambleside?
The nearest railway station to Ambleside is Windermere Train Station, about 4.4 miles away.