The town of Ambleside is located at the Northerm end of Windermere and is quieter and less of a 'tourist' destination than the more commercial areas of Windermere.

Nearby is the site of an ancient Roman fort that is probably the fort referred to as Galava in Roman times. On excavation of the fort between 1913 and 1920 it was found that there were in fact two forts, the latter being constructed on top of the former fort. The layout and foundations of the fort can be seen at Borrans Field.

Ambleside or Amelsate as it was known in the 13th Century is probably derived from personal names beginning with Amel and the Old Norse word scetr that means summer pasture and dairy.