| When | Thu 30 Jul 2026 |
|---|---|
| Usually | the last Thursday in July |
| Where | Ambleside, Cumbria |
| Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
| Family-friendly | Yes |
| Entry | Paid / ticketed — check the official site |
Ambleside Sports is a classic afternoon of traditional Lakeland sport, held on the last Thursday in July at Rydal Park just outside Ambleside. It's a real slice of Lakeland culture: guides' fell races straight up and down the fellside, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling in its distinctive back-hold style, hound trailing, grass-track cycling and traditional track-and-field, all in one ring below the fells.
Good to know: it's an outdoor event in a field, so dress for the weather and bring something to sit on. It's very family-friendly, with plenty for children to watch, food stalls and a beer tent. Gates open early afternoon; there's paid entry on the day.
Getting there: Ambleside has no railway station — come via Windermere (then the 555 bus) or by car on the A591; see our Ambleside guide for parking and buses. Make a day of it by pairing the Sports with a morning walk — Loughrigg Fell or Wansfell Pike are right above the town; check today's conditions first.
Dates and details can change — always confirm on the official site before you travel.