Shopping local in Ambleside

Whether you’re staying in self-catering accommodation and need a grocery shop, or simply looking to take home a Lake District souvenir, there are plenty of shops and local businesses here in Ambleside for a shopping day to suit your needs. 

  • Cherrydidi 

Open everyday 10am-4:30pm 

A unique gift and art shop placed on a busy street in Ambleside town,  Cherrydidi was created through the collaboration of five Cumbrian and five Ghanaian women who wanted to create a business celebrating the talents of women from rural Cumbria, Ghana and India. ‘Didi’ is a term of respectfulness given to older women in Nepal; Cherry was chosen after a gift of cherries was given between the women. The business has grown since it began in 2012, originally setting up shop in Caldbeck before extending to Keswick and Ambleside. The shop supplies unique gifts and art from local artists, which are all handmade and ethically minded. Gifts range from handmade cards, prints, jewellery, soap, tea, jams and much much more! 

  • Waterhead Shell Shop 

Open everyday 10:30am-4pm 

A quirky little gift shop situated at Waterhead Pier, Waterhead Shell Shop has been established for over 40 years and specialises in seashells, fossils, jewellery and gemstones. Shells can be bought separately to create your own crafts or can be bought as jewellery for gifts. 

  • Skelwith Fold Shop

Open Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm

Situated in Skelwith Fold Caravan Park near Skelwith Bridge, this village styled shop is ideal for local, Lake District produce and groceries. Alongside food, the shop sells BBQ supplies, cards, books, maps, caravan accessories, outdoor wear, toys, pet food and food for local wildlife. 

  • Friars Chocolate Shop 

Open Monday- Saturday 9:30am- 5:30pm, Sunday 10:30am-5:30pm 

Situated on Ambleside’s busy centre street, Friars chocolate shop was established in 1927 and still remains a family run business today. The shop sells luxurious, professionally made chocolates ranging from rich truffles, fine chocolate gift sets and hampers and novelty chocolates. 

  • Rock Shop 

Open Monday- Sunday 10am-5pm 

A unique, quirky independent shop in Ambleside, The Rock Shop specialises in jewellery, fossils, gemstones, holistic stones, Himalayan salt and birthstones. You’re guaranteed to find a unique, colourful gift here for your quirky friends! Children also love it here, with the shop hosting kids activities such as a ‘dinosaur den,’ a gem pit and a ‘beach bar!’