Nurseries in Ambleside
Ambleside is a scenic and popular Lake District town known for its outdoor lifestyle, small community feel and limited but high-quality early years provision. With many families employed in hospitality and tourism, nursery places can be in high demand across the town centre and nearby villages such as Rydal and Clappersgate.
Parents in Ambleside typically pay £71 per day for childcare, which is slightly 5% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £71
- Comparison
- -5% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 75 places
Nurseries near you in Ambleside
Frequently Asked Questions
Private nurseries generally accept children from around 3 months. School nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded education starts the term after a child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on circumstances.
All 3 and 4 year olds in England receive 15 funded hours a week, with up to 30 hours for eligible working families. Some 2 year olds also qualify, and funded hours may apply from 9 months for children of eligible working parents. Tax-Free Childcare provides a 20 percent government top-up.
Nursery fees in Ambleside range from £55–£95 per day, especially for settings incorporating outdoor or nature-based learning.
Nurseries in Ambleside are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding administered by Westmorland & Furness Council.
Ask about outdoor learning opportunities, staffing levels, seasonal availability, flexibility with funded hours, and charges for meals or activities.
Applying for funding
Ambleside is covered by Cumberland Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Cumberland Council website
