General Information
- When is Ambleside Sports?
Ambleside Sports is held annually on the last Thursday in July. The next Ambleside Sports is on Thursday, 30th July 2026
- Where is Ambleside Sports held?
The sports are held at Rydal Park, and our address is Rydal Rd, Ambleside, LA22 9PN. You can find full information on how to get to Ambleside Sports here
- Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are most welcome on leads.
- Can I buy food at Ambleside Sports?
There are a number of local food vendors at Ambleside Sports, from pizza and hot dogs to burgers and ice cream, and more.
- Is there a bar at Ambleside Sports?
A licensed bar sells a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Tickets
- Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, and there are early bird discounts available – you can buy your advanced tickets here
- Can I buy tickets on the day?
Tickets are available on the day and are £12 for adults and £5 for children. We take both cards and cash at the gates. You can save money by buying your tickets in advance!
Parking and Access
- Is there parking at Ambleside Sports?
Parking is available opposite the sports field and costs £5 per car
- Can I use public transport to get to Ambleside Sports?
Public transport is a great way to get to Ambleside Sports – both the 555 and 599 buses stop directly outside the field – ask to alight at ‘Rydal Farm’. You can find more information about the local buses here.
- Is there disabled access?
Disabled parking is available from the main car park entrance.
The site is entirely grass, which can be muddy after wet spells. We try to maintain the main areas to aid access around the sports field.
Timings
- When do the gates to Ambleside Sports open?
The gates open at 10 am with the official opening and competitions begin at 12 noon.
- When do the first events start?
The Rydal Round, is the first event starting at 12.05, with the wrestling and grass track cycling programmes beginning immediately after.
- When do the children’s races start?
The children’s races start at 2pm and the track can be found to the east of the arena. No pre-booking is required. Listen for announcements and just turn up!
- Where can I find the timings for all the races?
These can be found in the Souvenir Programme, which is available to purchase for £2 from the main gates and the Secretaries tent.
The approximate start of some of the key events are:
- Rydal Round Fell Race begins at 12.05
- Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling events start at 12.05, kicking off with the South Lakes Junior Schools Tournament.
- Grass Tracking Cycling events start around 12.05
- Track Races start around 12.40
- The Junior Guides Races start around 1pm with the Senior Guides Race around 4.20pm
- The Hound Trails start around 1.40pm
Please check the programme on the day for full listings.
Please check the programme on the day for full listings
- What time does Ambleside Sports finish?
The day’s last event begins around 5.20 pm, with the main show ending shortly after its conclusion.
Competitor Information
- How do I enter races at Ambleside Sports?
Here is a full list of entry methods for each sport:
- Rydal Round (Fell Race)
Registration takes place on the day at the tent near the main entrance. You can save time by downloading your registration form here and bringing it with you on the day.
- Guides Races
Registration takes place on the day at the tent near the main entrance. You can save time by downloading your registration form here and bringing it with you on the day.
- Track Races
PRE SHOW REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. The application closing date is 15th July. Download the application form here
- Hound Trails
Please visit the Hound Trailing Association website for further information for details on entering.
- Grass Track Cycling
PRE SHOW REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To enter or for more information, please contact Fiona Graham at carlislecyclingassoc@yahoo.com or 01946 693210. The application closing date is 10th July.
- Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling
Registration and weigh-in take place on the day.
- Children’s Races
No registration is required; just turn up at the track to the east of the arena at 2pm.
Closing Dates for specific sports
10th July – Grass Track Cycling
15th July – Track Races
Trader and Sponsorship Information
- I’m a business owner who would like to trade at Ambleside Sports. How can I find out more?
Ambleside Sports welcomes applications for trade spaces or tables within the craft tent. Please get in touch with Paul for an application form at amblesidesportstrade@gmail.com
- I would be interested in becoming a sponsor for Ambelisde Sports. How can I find out more?
Ambleside Sports has a variety of opportunities to promote your business and organisation through sponsorship of different events or within our printed programme. Please get in touch with info@amblesidesports.co.uk for more information.
Membership Information
- Can I become a member?
We welcome new members to the Ambleside Sports Association. Such support enables the Association to continue to provide a showcase for a wide variety of traditional local sports, helping sustain them in the local community. You can find more information about becoming a member here.
Volunteering
Ambleside Sport is run entirely by volunteers. We are always keen for new volunteers to join the team – we have a wide range of activities you can get involved in, from the general build of the site to admin, computer-related, catering and general assistance. Head to our volunteering section for more information.