Ambleside sits in the Lake District and attracts many visitors.
Parking can be very busy, especially in peak times and when the weather is good.
This guide lists main car parks, street options and free choices.
It includes locations, charges and tips to help with your visit.
Lake Road Car Park
Lake Road Car Park is in the town centre. It has 48 spaces and 3 for disabled users. It opens from 8am to 8pm each day. Charges apply from 8am to 8pm.
The fees are: up to 1 hour £2.30, up to 2 hours £4.00, up to 3 hours £5.20, up to 4 hours £6.70, up to 6 hours £8.00, all day £9.60.
If you arrive before 9am, pay £1.20 for all day. Motorcycles park free.
You can use 3 day passes for £21.60 or 7 day passes for £41.80.
Pay with coins, cards or by phone.
Postcode: LA22 0DB
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rGyYhHVAq6nGCVHU7
King Street Car Park
King Street Car Park is in the town centre.
It has 29 spaces and 3 for disabled users. It opens from 8am to 6pm each day except Wednesdays due to the market.
Charges apply in open hours. The fees are: up to 1 hour £2.30, up to 2 hours £4.00, up to 3 hours £5.20, up to 4 hours £6.70.
Motorcycles park free. It has two electric vehicle charge points.
You can use 3 day passes for £21.60 or 7 day passes for £41.80.
Pay with coins, cards or by phone.
Postcode: LA22 0EA
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRm2GhnSDuxKmKnd8
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Miller Bridge Town Centre Car Park
Miller Bridge Town Centre Car Park is on the edge of town.
It has 210 spaces. It opens from 8am to 9pm each day. Charges apply from 8am to 9pm.
The fees are: up to 1 hour £2.30, up to 2 hours £4.00, up to 3 hours £5.20, up to 4 hours £6.70, up to 6 hours £8.00, all day £9.60.
Motorcycles park free.
No height limits, so it suits camper vans.
Pay with coins, cards or by phone. No 3 or 7 day passes here.
Postcode: LA22 0EE
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4JyUHq12JQCJEJbh6
Rydal Road Car Park
Rydal Road Car Park is in the town centre. It has 171 spaces and 10 for disabled users.
It opens from 8am to 8pm each day. Charges apply from 8am to 8pm.
The fees are: up to 1 hour £2.30, up to 2 hours £4.00, up to 3 hours £5.20, up to 4 hours £6.70, up to 6 hours £8.00, all day £9.60.
Motorcycles park free. It has toilets.
You can use 3 day passes for £21.60 or 7 day passes for £41.80.
Pay with coins, cards or by phone.
Postcode: LA22 9AN
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b6qQUuyunMUvStjS7
Low Fold Car Park
Low Fold Car Park is 500 metres south of the town centre on Lake Road. It has 41 spaces and 1 for disabled users. It opens from 8am to 8pm each day.
Charges apply from 8am to 8pm.
The fees are: up to 1 hour £2.30, up to 2 hours £4.00, up to 3 hours £5.20, up to 4 hours £6.70, up to 6 hours £8.00, all day £9.60.
Motorcycles park free. It has one electric vehicle charge point.
You can use 3 day passes for £21.60 or 7 day passes for £41.80. Pay with coins, cards or by phone.
Postcode: LA22 0DH
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ntm6Ro5GvkJAsMMSA
Waterhead Car Park
Waterhead Car Park is at the north end of Windermere lake, one mile south of the town centre.
It has 120 spaces. It opens all day. Charges apply from 8am to 8pm.
The fees are: up to 1 hour £2.30, up to 2 hours £4.00, up to 3 hours £5.20, up to 4 hours £6.70, up to 6 hours £8.00, all day £9.60.
Motorcycles park free.
It has coach parking, electric vehicle charge points and toilets. Pay with coins, cards or by phone.
Postcode: LA22 0EY
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/te5SHqk3gBUay5DC6
Rothay Rd HGV and PSV Parking Only
Rothay Road Car Park is for heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles only, such as coaches and lorries.
It is on Rothay Road. It opens 24 hours each day.
Charges apply as pay and display. Fees match other council sites, but check signs for coach rates.
Pay with coins, cards or by phone. No cars allowed.
Postcode: LA22 0HQ
Directions:
Ambleside Street Parking
Many streets in the town centre have disc zones.
These allow one hour free parking from 10am to 6pm.
Get a free disc from local shops and set it to your arrival time.
Blue badge holders park without time limits in these zones.
Outside these hours, no disc is needed. Always check signs for rules.
Free Parking in Ambleside
Free parking exists on some streets outside the disc zones, such as off Kirkstone Road or by the river.
These have no time limits but fill up fast. Locals often use them, so consider paid options first.
After 6pm and before 10am, disc zones become free without discs.
Some places like Ambleside School offer spaces after 5pm on school days with a donation. Check for restrictions to avoid fines.
Where to Stay in Ambleside
Our Ambleside cottages offer a place to stay during your time in the area.
These cottages are luxurious and we receive great reviews from our happy guests.
We keep them in perfect condition for each stay.
See Our Cottages in Ambleside Here…
Some Final Notes On Where to Park in Ambleside
Plan your parking before you arrive, as spaces go quick in busy seasons.
Use 3 or 7 day passes if you stay longer to save money.
Check the Westmorland and Furness Council site for updates on fees and rules.
Follow signs and pay on time to avoid penalties.
